Donor Spotlight: Thankful4Farmers

Insights, Partner Update, 28 May 2021

Thankful4Farmers in one of FRRR’s newest donor partners who are generously supporting our latest program Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience program, which seeks to help agriculture-dependent communities that are vulnerable to the impacts of drought become more prepared for and resilient to these impacts.

We spoke to Kim McDonnell CEO and Founder of Thankful4Farmers to further understand the challenges that our farmers face, how drought not only affects yield and the supply chain but also causes social and health challenges. Kim shares how the organisation works collaboratively across a diverse range of stakeholders and influencers to address the systematic challenges faced by remote and rural communities recognizing the valuable contribution that farming and agriculture play in our lives, every single day.

Kim McDonnell photographed by Kristoffer Paulsen.
  1. What was it that drew the Foundation to partner with FRRR?

Thankful4Farmers is committed to supporting and helping regional and rural communities to thrive by helping fund initiatives that address the systematic challenges faced by these communities. We were impressed that FRRR shared similar values and vision through their commitment to “ensure the long-term vitality of rural and remote Australia”. 

  1. You are supporting the Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience program, which seeks to help agriculture-dependent communities that are vulnerable to the impacts of drought become more prepared for and resilient to these impacts. What is it about this program that resonates with the work you do? 

Thankful4Farmers promotes and recognizes the valuable contribution that farming and agriculture play in our lives, every single day, three times a day and COVID has certainly highlighted farmers as being on the front line of our food security. Drought and unprecedented climatic conditions, not only potentially impacts our food supply and affordability, but causes economic, social and health challenges to agriculture-dependent communities. We are passionate about helping these communities become more resilient through initiatives that create sustainable solutions.

  1. We understand that this is the first time you have partnered with FRRR. How have you found working with FRRR to date?

It has been a delight working with the FRRR team who listened, understood and helped identify how best our grant could be applied. The FRRR team have kept us informed of the process and will provide regular updates of the impact of the program.  

4. Thankful4Farmers is an initiative which brings together industries, brands, influencers and consumers in a united effort to raise awareness and generate revenue to support sustainable agriculture and regional communities across Australia. Can you share some insights into the ways you collaborate with these diverse groups?

Thankful4Farmers partners with brands and organisations to raise both awareness and money to support agriculture and regional communities. We partner with brands to co-brand products or services and through a product for purpose model, Thankful4Farmers receives a percentage of revenue generated through sales. Our goal is to have multiple products co-branded across multiple categories. When it is not possible to co-brand there are also sponsorship opportunities for brands and organisations to be involved.

Our model is collaborative and we firmly believe that through unity and partnerships our impact will be far greater. We welcome the opportunity to work with organisations who share the commitment to supporting agriculture and regional and rural communities to amplify awareness and impact. 

  1. FRRR is very focused on creating resilience and adaptability within remote and rural communities. Given your support of the Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience program, we can see you share our belief in the need for this kind of focus. What does your organisation see as the particular challenges / opportunities for our remote and rural communities over the next decade, and how can organisations like ours help?  

Unprecedented climatic conditions, trade wars and tariffs resulting in economic fluctuations, increased mental health and wellness challenges, COVID and the impact of boarder closures on labour supply and changing consumer expectations are just a few of the challenges facing agriculture and regional and rural communities. To help these communities become more resilient they need infrastructure and services to thrive, industry diversification, access to the latest technology and information to promote climate smart agricultural practices and recognition of the value and contribution they make to the Australian community and economy.

  1. And finally, do you have any advice to other philanthropic organisations / individuals when choosing a not-for-profit to partner with?

When choosing a not-for-profit partner it is important that you take the time to ensure you share the same values and vision. For Thankful4Farmers it was also an imperative that we had clear objectives and transparency to measure and understand both the short and long term impact our donation was going to make. 

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Amy Crawford

Amy Crawford has an extensive career in complex public policy and its intersection across government and communities.

Amy is the Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), representing 537 councils across the nation. Amy holds over 20 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service. She has a deep understanding of federal government policies and structures, with over 10 years’ service in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and has worked for the federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. Amy has shaped a wide range of policies and programs including regional development, telecommunications, immigration, emergency management, social policy and pandemic preparation.

Amy is a Board Director of Austroads and represents ALGA on the Public Skills Australia Industry Advisory Group, and the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee. She is also a Board Director for the Canberra Youth Theatre which provides voice for Canberra’s youth through intelligent and challenging theatre.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from the University of Queensland, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an alumnus of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. Amy was appointed to the FRRR Board in January 2025.

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Kylie Hansen

Kylie brings leadership and management experience from across academic, corporate, not-for-profit, social enterprise and impact investment sectors, having deep dived into a myriad of specialisations and systems. Her six tertiary qualifications are equally as diverse and complimentary, covering commerce, politics, international development, community development, project management and law. Her breadth and depth of experience enables her to draw on a number of disciplines and innovative ways of working and thinking, and she is well recognised as consistently delivering work and services of a high quality.

Kylie uses her strong background in sustainability, governance and impact measurement to support collaborative initiatives across sectors oriented at improving social outcomes, and to support socially conscientious businesses to articulate their social impact. As founder and director at Impact Seed she has been instrumental in developing the impact measurement, evaluation, learning and ESG practice which advises numerous corporates, and is passionate about supporting First Nations empowerment particularly in the context of regional economic development.

Kylie is also a Director of the WA Social Enterprise Council, a member of the B Council (B Lab Australia and New Zealand), and a Governor of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

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Hon. John Anderson AC

The Hon. John Anderson AC is a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from NSW, who served in the Australian Parliament from 1989 to 2008.

He was a senior Cabinet minister in the government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005), including six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

In the latter role, Mr Anderson played in important role in FRRR’s history, working closely with Baillieu Myer AC and others on a proposal to establish a philanthropic organisation to benefit rural Australia. The concept was discussed at the National Regional Summit in 1999 and FRRR was established shortly thereafter.

Mr Anderson currently hosts a regular podcast, where he is in conversation with thought-leaders from around the world, and is a regular media commentator.

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Regina Cruickshank

Partnerships Specialist (WA)

Regina supports FRRR as the WA Partnerships Specialist. With over two decades of experience in partnerships and marketing, she has a deep understanding of Western Australia’s social impact landscape. She brings a strong passion for leveraging purpose-built networks to create positive change.

Regina previously worked with Playgroup WA and founded a Health Promotion Charity dedicated to supporting Social Emotional wellbeing for underserved communities. She’s excited about the opportunity to connect with partners and explore ways to make a meaningful difference in WA.

She lives in Perth with her family and enjoys mindful moments of connection to Country, whether on horseback, on foot or underwater.

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Anna Palmer

People and Culture Manager

Based in Central Victoria, Anna is a senior Human Resources, Organisation Development and Industrial Relations professional, with significant private and public sector experience across every facet of people and culture leadership.

Her most recent roles have been with Don KR in Castlemaine and Mount Alexander Shire Council. She has also held senior HR roles with Victoria Legal Aid and the TAC among many others.

From Mildura originally, Anna has postgraduate qualifications in Change Management and a Masters in Organisation Dynamics.

Anna is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts to balance her creative pursuits and work as an HR professional.

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Philippa Twaddle

Management Accountant

Carolyn joined the FRRR team in March 2017, and is responsible for providing executive support to the CEO, effective coordination of the FRRR office and general administrative support to the management team. A key responsibility is supporting the administration of FRRR’s Donation Account Services.

She has over fifteen years’ experience working in local government in the Tourism and Arts Sector, Civic and Event Management and Community engagement.

Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship, majoring in psychology, and grew up on farming communities in Cohuna and Echuca and currently lives in Bendigo.