Drought Breaker Lunch Host, Jessica Adamson (far left) speaks with guest panelists (left to right) Darren Longbottom, RBS Rural Financial Counsellor, Dorothy Crosby, Rural Aid Counsellor and Jodi & Shane Cuffe first-generation farmers from Willochra, South Australia. Photo by Andre Castellucci
South Australians have rallied behind farmers doing it tough, raising $171,600 at the first-ever Drought Breaker Lunch held today at the Adelaide Showground.
The sold-out event welcomed almost 600 guests and was hosted by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia in partnership with Rural Aid and Rural Business Support.
All funds raised will go directly to supporting farming families across the state, with a focus on mental health services, emergency relief, and long-term wellbeing programs to help communities continue to manage the devastating impacts of drought and ongoing uncertainty.
Olympic marathon runner Jess Stenson delivered a powerful keynote address, sharing the impact of drought on her sister’s property in South Australia’s far north. She also spoke about the resilience shaped by her upbringing in a country town — qualities that continue to guide her through both personal challenges and her decorated athletic career.
Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society CEO Will Rayner said the response from the community was overwhelming.
“It’s clear that South Australians want to stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers. The funds raised today will make a real difference for families still battling the effects of drought,” Mr Rayner said.
“It is about more than just raising funds — it’s about showing our farmers that they’re not alone and that the whole state is behind them.”
“Farmers produce the food and fibre we rely on every day, and it’s only right that we support them in return.”
The event was supported by more than 100 of the state’s leading businesses, who contributed generously through in-kind support, donations, exclusive auction items, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“Our thanks go to the incredible partners and guests who helped turn this idea into a powerful show of support,” Mr Rayner said.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said every day this drought continued to place farmers and their families under even more pressure.
“The funds raised today will help Rural Aid to get vital mental health and well-being support along with financial assistance to impacted farmers,” Mr Warlters said.
“Rural Aid can also deliver more hay to feed drought stricken livestock and emergency drinking water for households. Both are urgently needed.”
Rural Business Support CEO Brett Smith said it was incredible to see the community rise up for regional families.
“In the past three months, the RBS Relief Fund has delivered more than $750,000 in grants straight to South Australian farming families and rural small business owners who are struggling to afford groceries, medicine, water, and electricity bills because of this relentless drought. That’s only possible because of South Australians helping South Australians.
“Every act of generosity from the city or the country shows our farmers that they are being heard, and that no one should face hardship alone.
“We’re especially grateful to the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society for understanding that it takes events like this to bring us together, raise awareness, and amplify the message that this drought simply isn’t going away.
“The money raised today will be used to provide ongoing support to farming families and rural small business owners across South Australia—making sure they can put food on the table, keep the lights on, and know that their community stands with them through the toughest times.”
About Rural Aid
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities.
Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement.
As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.
About Rural Business Support
Rural Business Support (RBS) is a registered charity with boots on the ground across South Australia and the Northern Territory. For nearly 20 years, RBS has delivered the free, confidential Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), and is currently walking alongside more than 950 farming families and small business owners who are doing it tough because of drought.
In July 2022, RBS established the RBS Relief Fund after recognising the need to do more for South Australian farming families. The Relief Fund provides grants for essentials like groceries, medicine, or school fees, as well as additional financial counsellors and wellbeing programs to help families navigate tough times.
For RBS, it’s about more than just delivering a service – it’s about being a steady, trusted presence in local communities, offering a calm voice, practical support, and genuine care. When times are tough, RBS helps rural business people find a way forward, ensuring no one faces hardship alone.
Rural Business Support CEO, Brett Smith and Rural Business Support Communications and Philanthropy Manager, Mon Saunders. Photos by Andre Castellucci