Kerang, Victoria

May 2023

In May 2023, Rural Aid volunteers travelled to Kerang in northern Victoria to support farming families still recovering from the devastating floods that swept through the region during late 2022. After months of relentless rainfall driven by consecutive La Niña weather patterns, rivers across northern Victoria overflowed, inundating farmland, isolating properties and damaging crops, fencing and critical farm infrastructure. Communities along the Murray, Loddon and surrounding river systems faced some of the worst flooding seen in decades, with many farmers enduring prolonged isolation and significant financial and emotional strain.

Over the course of the Farm Recovery Event, 18 volunteers worked alongside five local farming families to help tackle the enormous clean-up and recovery effort left behind by the floods. From repairing damaged fencing to clearing debris and restoring properties, every helping hand made a meaningful difference to families continuing to rebuild months after the disaster. More than the practical support, the event brought connection, encouragement and a reminder that rural communities do not have to face recovery alone.