The Australian Hotels Association branch in South Australia has reinforced the long-standing commitment of the state’s hotels to their communities by donating $50,000 for urgent drought relief in rural areas.
This was made possible by AHA SA’s charity arm Pubs with Heart. It receives funding 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, with the first delivering 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 that has been delivered to the region 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.
One local farmer expressed their overwhelming gratitude for the support.
“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,” they said.
Tim Phillips, publican of the Bon Accord Hotel in Burra, said the droughts have had devasting effects on the local economy, and despite the valued support, it will still be some time before the region fully recovers.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
AHA SA CEO Anna Moeller said amid the devastation it has been promising to see pubs stepping up to help their community.
“Pubs are the heartbeat of their communities, always there to support in times of need. 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.”
Pubs with Heart thanked the Minister for Primary Industries, Claire Scriven, and PIRSA for their considerable efforts in supporting both the AHA SA and Rural Aid, which provides natural disaster support to farmers across the country.
John Warlters, Rural Aid CEO, welcomed generous contributions from the state’s hotel industry.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Australian Hotels Association for this generous support, which will provide real help to farming families doing it tough. The funding will go towards hay — a lifeline for farmers trying to keep their livestock alive during extreme drought.
“Partners like the AHASA 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.”
The most recent Pubs with Heart donation follow the AHA SA’s significant support of The Advertiser’s ‘For Pete’s Sake’ drought relief fundraising campaign in South Australia’s Peterborough in April.
The free community lunch held at the Peterborough Hotel attracted an estimated 1,000 people to the Railway Street party where State Premier Peter Malinauskas announced $1,500 drought relief grants to drought-affected farming families and rural small business owners.