For immediate release
As the fire season escalates across rural, remote and regional Australia, the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) warns that the convergence of harvest, extreme heat and dangerous fire conditions is already taking a devastating toll on farming communities.
As most prepare for the Christmas break, Australia has already recorded two fire-related deaths this season, tragedies that send shockwaves far beyond the immediate families affected. In rural and remote communities, fires and loss of life have a profound ripple effect – impacting neighbours, volunteer crews, local services and entire towns, and compounding physical exhaustion and emotional distress across the community.
This is the most physically demanding period of the year for farmers. Long harvest hours are being worked under intense heat and high winds, while many farmers simultaneously serve as volunteer firefighters, stepping away from crops and livestock to protect their communities, infrastructure and country.
“Farmers are harvesting in extreme heat, battling fatigue and stress, and many are also volunteering as firefighters. At the same time, they are responsible for producing the food and export income the nation depends on. That burden is immense,” says Susi Tegen, NRHA Chief Executive.
The national implications are significant. Farmers generate a major share of Australia’s export income and produce around 90 per cent of the food all Australians eat. Fires destroy fencing, kill livestock and wildlife, damage crops and infrastructure, and leave farmers facing months or years of recovery work, often while dealing with trauma, grief and financial strain.
“We have already lost lives this fire season, and in small rural communities every death is felt deeply. The ripple effects on physical and emotional wellbeing extend far beyond the fireground and can last for many years,” Ms Tegen said.
Rural communities are resilient and tightly knit, but repeated exposure to loss, danger and uncertainty is eroding wellbeing. Fire seasons are becoming longer, hotter and more volatile, and the expectation that rural people can simply “push through” without adequate health and mental health support is no longer tenable.
NRHA is calling for immediate and coordinated action to further strengthen rural health, mental health and recovery services, and to better support farmers, families and volunteer firefighters through the fire season and beyond.
“Resilience has limits. If Australia wishes to have food security, strong regional economies and safe communities, we must invest seriously in rural health, mental health and long-term recovery, not just during a crisis, but as a sustained national priority,” concluded Ms Tegen.
Media contact:
National Rural Health Alliance
Susanne Tegen 0429 100 464