Rural Aid

💚 Some journeys leave more than tyre tracks.

Sam Longmore has inspired communities, started conversations and reminded people across rural Australia that they don't have to face life's challenges alone.

Today, we want to say thank you.

Thank you, Samantha-jane Longmore, for your determination, your generosity and your unwavering commitment to rural mental health. Every wheel turn helped shine a light on the importance of connection, support and looking out for one another.

Thanks to everyone who supported The Big Wheel, the funds raised will help Rural Aid continue the conversations Sam started on the road. Together, we can continue supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farming families and rural communities, ensuring more people know that support is available when they need it.

If Sam's journey has encouraged you to reach out, or if you know someone who could use a chat, we're here to listen.
📞 Call Rural Aid on 1300 327 624 to learn more about the support available.

Thank you, Sam, for reminding us that every conversation can make a difference. 💚

💚 Every kilometre matters.
As Samantha-jane Longmore continues The Big Wheel, she's doing more than covering the distance. She's helping start important conversations about rural mental health in communities across regional NSW.
We're cheering you on with every turn of the wheel Sam. Thank you for shining a light on the importance of connection, support and checking in with one another.
Keep rolling. We're all behind you! 💚

💛 | AND… SHE’S OFF AGAIN! 👋🤩 What a woman! There wasn’t much time to celebrate! Just 15 hours after an unforgettable hometown welcome, Samantha Longmore is back on the road! 🦽💪

Sam rolled out of Junee just before 8am, waving goodbye to family, friends and supporters before setting her sights on and another demanding day in the chair.

A group of locals rose before the sun and gathered at the Junee Recreation and Aquatic Centre to give Sam the send-off she deserved, joining her for the run out of town before wishing her well for the next leg of her remarkable 441km journey for rural mental health.

Among those escorting Sam out of Junee was local Jason Ferrario, who only completed the 150-kilometre Big Three Trek from Sydney to Newcastle on Sunday!

After three gruelling days on foot raising money for brain cancer research, he was back out this morning supporting another remarkable fundraiser.

Today’s leg will see Sam push another 50-odd kilometres before she reaches Cootamundra later this afternoon, where the team at Roar Gym will welcome her and open their facilities so she can recover after another long day on the road.

Even then, the journey will be far from over.

She’ll still have more than 150 kilometres to conquer before rolling across the finish line in on Saturday!

Yesterday, Junee wrapped its arms around one of its own. Today it’s back to the kilometres, the hills and the determination that’s inspiring communities right across the Riverina! 💛

Sam says it’s important people remember why she’s doing this. This challenge is not about proving what she can do physically. It is about shining a light on the mental health struggles often hidden behind closed doors in rural and regional Australia.

You can contribute by donating directly to the cause via Sam’s fundraising page, with every dollar raised to be split between Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell. Donation link in comments 👇

Safe travels, Sam! 💛

The Junee Bulletin | Ohhbulldust

📸 The wait is over!

Entries are now open for the 2026 Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition.
Since 2020, you've shared the people, places and moments that capture the heart of rural Australia. From golden sunrises and hardworking farmers to loyal mates, rural communities and life on the land, every photo helps tell an important story.

Now it's your turn.

Whether you're a professional photographer or simply captured a special moment on your phone, we'd love to see rural Australia through your lens.

🗓 Entries open from 8am (AEST) 1 July 2026 and close at 5pm (AEST) 31 July 2026.

Submit your entry today:
https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/

We can't wait to see what you've captured. 💚