84-year-old Biggenden farmer, Betty Johnson, has seen many seasons come and go in her lifetime on the land.
Born and raised in the area, she has spent most of her life farming in the region alongside fulfilling commitments to numerous community roles, from ten years in the local mayoral seat to more than two decades with the State Emergency Service. Hers has been a life of satisfaction in her work and service to her community. It’s simply the way she was raised.
“I believe that if you’re getting a living from an area you have to be prepared to put something back,” said Betty.
In 2022, Betty first became aware of Rural Aid’s work against a backdrop of some of the worst flooding events Biggenden (North Burnett, Queensland) had experienced in living memory. After learning about the organisation at a town meeting and being encouraged to apply for assistance, Betty received financial aid that enabled her to replace the dangerously old tyres on her work ute.
“That was my first association with Rural Aid and I can’t tell you how thankful I was, because every time I drove out I’d think, ‘I hope I don’t get a blowout today!’”
A follow up call informed Betty of Rural Aid’s intention to visit Biggenden with a group of volunteers to assist with flood recovery work on local properties. Though she was rarely one to ask for help, Betty was grateful to accept the offer, especially as Biggenden—along with many other parts of the country—was bracing for impending drought.
“If you look at my paddock there’s not a green speck anywhere. We have had no rain here since about January, which means that I’ve been feeding stock for ages. And if you’re feeding stock, it costs money… and you have to find the money from somewhere,” said Betty.
Despite the rural life being one of hard work, uncertainty, and sometimes anxiety, Betty believes there’s more to it than just making a living.
“There’s such a thing as satisfaction in what you do, and satisfaction that you’re providing good livestock to the market that people can eat safely, knowing it’s come from a decent place,” said Betty.
“I don’t think some people quite realise just how difficult it is, when they eat a T-Bone steak. How difficult it was for that to make the plate.”
The outreach and support Betty received reminded her of a season she thought had long passed—a time when people would willingly help one another.
“I’m really grateful for the work Rural Aid are doing for me here today. In this ever-changing world we live in—very different from where I was brought up and how I was brought up—that people are prepared to put their hand up and say, ‘I’ll give you a helping hand’ not ‘what’s in it for me’. So, I’m really grateful for what they’re doing for me,” said Betty.
Betty is one of countless farmers across Australia now preparing for what is promising to be an incredibly hard dry season. Learn more about the work Rural Aid is doing to support our farmers and rural communities, and what you can do to help here:
