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Back Country Bulletin

Throw on a flanno

Back Country Bulletin

Kimberly Grabham

12 August 2025, 2:00 AM

Throw on a flanno

Australians are being called upon to throw on their favourite flannelette shirt this August to show solidarity with the nation's farmers, who continue to face mounting mental health and financial pressures.


The annual "Flanno for a Farmer" campaign, organised by Farm Angels, officially takes place on Friday, 15 August, but supporters are encouraged to wear their flannos and donate throughout the entire month.


Farm Angels founder Natasha Johnston said backing farmers had never been more critical, with alarming statistics revealing the extent of rural distress across the country.

"Too often, our farmers are struggling in silence. They're out there doing one of the toughest jobs in the country, yet many feel forgotten," Ms Johnston said.

"Flanno for a Farmer is about saying, 'We see you. We appreciate you. And we've got your back.' Every dollar raised helps us provide real, practical support for those who need it most."

Crisis in rural Australia

The campaign comes as new figures highlight the mental health crisis facing Australian agriculture. Research shows 76 per cent of farmers believe their role is undervalued by the Australian public, whilst the suicide rate among farmers is 59 per cent higher than the general population.

Tragically, one farmer dies by suicide every 10 days in Australia.

Beyond mental health challenges, farmers continue to battle the ongoing impacts of droughts, bushfires, floods and isolation. Many farmers affected by natural disasters can take three to five years to recover from the financial, physical and emotional devastation.

"All proceeds from Flanno for a Farmer are dedicated to ensuring Farm Angels continue to support farming families nationwide," Ms Johnston said.

"By wearing your flanno and donating, you're allowing us to continue to support the backbone of our country, and potentially save a life."

Expanding support network

Since its establishment as Drought Angels in 2014, the organisation has expanded to provide assistance to farmers affected by all natural disasters across more than 1,300 communities nationwide.

In the past year alone, Farm Angels has assisted 1,105 farmers and their families through its support programme, conducted more than 1,466 wellness checks and provided $383,422 in direct financial assistance.

The funds raised through the campaign go towards essential emotional support, financial assistance, food hampers, care packages and personalised support for farming families.

This year's campaign aims to raise $500,000 to continue supporting farmers to stay on the land through assistance tailored to their individual needs.

Ms Johnston said this support contributes to Australia's regional economies, food security and the social wellbeing of rural communities.

"These are the people who put food on our table and clothes on our back. It's time to show them we've got theirs," she said.

To sign up, donate or find out more, visit flannoforafarmer.com.au


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