Hotels support drought-affected farmers

The Australian Hotels Association – SA Branch, through its charity arm Pubs with Heart, has reinforced the long-standing commitment of South Australian hotels to their communities by donating $50,000 for urgent drought relief in rural South Australia.

Funding for Pubs with Heart is provided through the Independent Gaming Corporation (IGC), which monitors gaming machines on behalf of SA hotels and licensed clubs. Since 1994, the IGC has contributed more than $23 million to over 135 organisations across the state.

This latest support has funded two vital fodder drops in drought-affected areas:

• The first delivered 82 bales of hay to seven farming families around Goolwa.

• The second delivered 94 bales to eight farmers in the Willowie district.

With limited local supply, the hay was sourced from Nyngan, NSW, and is now supporting sheep, beef, and dairy producers in both regions. Access to fodder during tough periods helps reduce financial pressure and can make a significant difference to farmers’ mental wellbeing.

Pubs with Heart thanks the Minister for Primary Industries, Claire Scriven, and PIRSA for their considerable efforts in supporting both the AHA and Rural Aid.

"Pubs are the heartbeat of their communities, always there to support in times of need,” AHA|SA CEO Anna Moeller said.

“It has been heartbreaking to watch the devastating impact of this drought on our regions. This is yet another example of publicans putting their hands in their own pockets to support others."

Tim Phillips, Publican of the Bon Accord Hotel in Burra, added: "At the Bon Accord Hotel in Burra, we’ve seen clear evidence of the drought’s impact on our economy — from fewer trucks on the highway to fewer farming families coming through our doors.

“This downturn flows on to other parts of the industry, like shearers and contractors, and ultimately to local hotels and businesses. Their discretionary spending just isn’t there.

“Even with the rain we’re seeing now, it may take many seasons before the community feels a real difference. Crops might look good, but it will take years to recover."

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters welcomed the generous donation.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the Australian Hotels Association for this generous support, which will provide real help to farming families doing it tough,” he said.

“The funding will go towards hay — a lifeline for farmers trying to keep their livestock alive during extreme drought.

“Partners like the AHA|SA are essential to the work Rural Aid does. This kind of backing allows us to reach more families with the practical help and emotional support they need.

“It shows our rural communities that they’re not forgotten, and that Australians across the country are standing with them."

One grateful farmer shared:

"Words are just not enough for the gratefulness we have for the hay. Hope these photos get to you. I’ll try to send more, but it was raining."

The Pubs with Heart donation follows the AHA|SA’s significant support of The Advertiser’s ‘For Pete’s Sake’ drought relief fundraising campaign in Peterborough in April.