They feel everyone has abandoned them.

Frontier Services National Director Rob Floyd recently spoke to a group of Bush Chaplains, and they all told him stories that had one thing in common: farmers and families feel abandoned. They feel their country has forgotten them.

All across our country, Australians are stumbling under the ongoing weight of floods, severe storms, the bushfires, and the drought which went on for years. In between, they faced mice plagues and a global pandemic

In the meantime, they are also dealing with all the ups and downs and hardships of life: the death of loved ones, personal tragedies, mental health issues, family violence.

Disaster Recovery Bush Chaplain in WA, Rev David Jackson, shared the story of a war veteran who was impacted by Cyclone Seroja in 2021 David said,

"His property was right in the epicentre; the winds literally blew his roof off

"It’s been two years, yet he’s still living under tarpaulins. Every time it rains, he has to run around with buckets to catch the water.

"He is strong, but he’s wearing out after two years of this His mental health must be under immense pressure ”

Our war vet needs a new roof, certainly, but he also desperately needs to know that he is not alone in this.

Many people in the bush are reluctant to ask for help themselves. They are proud and resilient and don’t like to ‘cause a fuss’

Often, Frontier Services Bush Chaplains are the first to see their distress and say, "It’s OK, we’ve got you. You deserve a helping hand, and we’re here for you."

Another Disaster Recovery Bush Chaplain in WA, Rev Erica Payne, shared:

“As a Chaplain, I respond to needs, and the need is simplepeople need others to stand with them as they move to recovery.

"My ministry is as a listener, someone who cares and takes the time to be with another in their pain, trauma, suffering, or in their joy and celebration

“I can help them manage whatever they are confronting or refer them to professional services. I meet folk as I attend community groups, events, and social functions where possible, and enjoy many cuppas with these incredibly beautiful people.“

Donate today

People in rural and remote Australia are facing terrible hardship Don't let them feel abandoned Please show them they are not alone.

Please donate by 30 June to help fund Frontier Services Bush Chaplains who provide support, comfort, and hope to people living on the land.