What’s happening?
Australian rural charity Rural Aid has appointed premiership-winning rugby league forward Corey Jensen as its newest ambassador.
The appointment strengthens the organisation’s connection with regional Australia and the communities it supports.
Jensen grew up in Bowen and maintains strong family ties to the region’s agricultural and horticultural industries.
His background gives him direct insight into the realities faced by farming families and rural communities.
Rural Aid says the partnership will help highlight the challenges experienced by farmers and encourage broader community support.
As an ambassador, Jensen will help inform the public about Rural Aid’s work and the issues facing farming communities.
Through his role in professional sport, he will also help amplify conversations about the pressures on primary producers.
The organisation hopes his involvement will help raise awareness and support for rural Australians.
Why it matters?
Rural Aid leaders say Jensen’s appointment will help bring wider attention to the pressures facing farming families.
John Warlters said the partnership reflects the values shared between Jensen and rural communities.
“Corey represents the values we see every day in the bush – hard work, humility and strength,” Mr Warlters said.
“Having someone of Corey’s profile join the Rural Aid family helps us shine a national spotlight on the very real challenges facing farmers and rural communities, from natural disasters and financial stress to mental health pressures.
“Importantly, Corey understands these challenges because he has lived them through his family and his upbringing in a regional town like Bowen.
“His voice will help bridge the gap between the city and the country.”
Local Impact
Rural Aid says Jensen’s connection to regional Queensland strengthens the organisation’s relationship with rural communities.
His role will help bring attention to the challenges faced by farmers and encourage community support for those working on the land.
The organisation also hopes his involvement will help ensure farming families know help is available when it is needed.
By the numbers
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Corey Jensen made his top-flight professional rugby league debut in 2017, beginning his career at the highest level of the game.
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Last year, he played a key role in a premiership-winning side, achieving the ultimate success in rugby league competition.
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Rural Aid provides support to farmers and rural communities across Australia, including financial assistance, mental health counselling, water deliveries and hay support.
Zoom In
Jensen said he was proud to represent Rural Aid and give back to the communities that shaped him.
“I’m extremely honoured to be associated with an organisation like Rural Aid.
“My wife is from a grazing family and is a qualified veterinarian who travels a lot to remote cattle farms, so I’ve seen and heard first-hand how tough and challenging life can be on the farm,” Corey said.
“The work never ends, and success on the property can be heavily reliant on the weather, which in turn can’t be controlled.
“From drought to floods, families’ livelihoods can be heavily affected. Having an organisation like Rural Aid is vital to assist these families in any way possible when unexpected events occur.”
Zoom Out
Rural Aid provides practical and ongoing assistance to farmers and rural communities across the country.
Support includes financial assistance, mental health counselling, water and hay deliveries, and help before, during and after natural disasters.
The organisation works through a team committed to supporting farmers, their families and rural communities.
What to look for next?
Through Jensen’s ambassador role, Rural Aid aims to further elevate the stories of farmers working on the land.
The organisation also hopes to encourage greater community support and deliver practical assistance to rural families.
Rural Aid says its work will continue to ensure farmers and their families know help is available when needed.
