Bairnsdale, Victoria

May 2025

In May 2025, Rural Aid volunteers travelled to Bairnsdale in East Gippsland, Victoria, to support farming families recovering from severe storms, flooding and prolonged wet weather that had impacted the region across recent years. East Gippsland experienced multiple damaging weather events through 2023 and 2024, including intense rainfall, flash flooding and destructive storms that caused widespread damage to rural properties, waterways and infrastructure. Farming families across the region faced ongoing challenges repairing fencing, restoring paddocks and recovering from erosion and flood damage after repeated severe weather events placed significant pressure on local communities.

During the Farm Recovery Event, 29 volunteers worked alongside six local farming families to help with the long recovery effort still underway across the region. Volunteers assisted with practical farm jobs including fencing repairs, clearing debris and restoring damaged areas on affected properties. Beyond the physical support, the event brought encouragement, connection and a reminder that rural communities are strongest when people come together to support one another through difficult seasons and ongoing recovery journeys.