Industry shows support

MAJOR players in the travel industry have banded together to support drought-stricken Aussie farmers, with Qantas the latest company to pitch in by pledging $3m in aid this morning.

The carrier has donated $1 million to charity Rural Aid effective immediately, with funds to finance hay bales, water trucking, groceries and mental health counsellors.

Qantas and Jetstar will run a number of appeal initiatives to raise another $1 million, with QF to match these efforts to create a total donation of $3 million.

Regional Express (Rex) has also pitched in by setting aside $1 million in drought relief support.

The Rex Drought Relief fund will be available to all community groups and will be in the form of $4 of travel on the Rex network for every $1 raised by the community groups.

The regional carrier also intends to begin collecting donations on all flights to provide cash contributions to a nominated charity with details still to be determined.

Latin America and Polar region specialist Chimu Adventures is doing its bit to support Australia’s farmers, offering to donate a bale of hay for every booking made during Aug ( TD 07 Aug).

The contribution was donated via Rural Aid, with the operator urging other travel players to get involved.

To donate to the cause, head to ruralaid.org.au.