When I first kicked off afiverforafarmer.com.au in 2018 at just 10 years old, it was driven by a simple yet powerful idea: to lend a hand to our Aussie farmers. Now, at 16, I’m taking a moment to look back on the journey—a path filled with challenges, wins, and a deep sense of purpose. This is a reflection on how a small idea turned into a big movement and the incredible milestones we’ve hit along the way.
Getting Started: I may be small but my voice is mighty
At 10, I was moved by the struggles of farmers facing severe droughts and natural disasters. I wanted to help, but as a kid, I wasn’t sure how to make a dent. With the backing of my family and community, afiverforafarmer.com.au was born. The idea was simple: get people to donate the cost of a coffee—$5—dress up as farmers and show our support. It seemed like a small amount, but I truly believed that together, we could make a real difference.
Rising to the Challenge: Tackling Obstacles
The journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. We’ve faced a bunch of challenges, including:
Achievements and Milestones
Despite the hurdles, there have been some amazing wins that I’m really proud of:
Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment
As I reflect on the past six years, I’m grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received. But there’s still plenty more to do. Our farmers keep facing new challenges, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to support them.
In the coming months, we’ll be launching new initiatives, expanding our reach, and continuing to raise awareness. I’d love for you to be part of this journey, whether by donating, volunteering, or just spreading the word. Together, we can keep making a difference and stand by our farmers through every twist and turn.
Thanks for being a part of this adventure. Your support has been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together in the future.
Your mate,
Jack
This year, we are thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Jack Berne, the founder of www.afiverforafarmer.com.au, and Farm Angels www.farmangels.org.au to support our farming and rural communities in need.
What is Flanno for a Farmer Day?
Flanno for a Farmer Day is our continued initiative where we invite workplaces, teams, schools, kindergartens, families, and individuals to come together in support of our farming and rural communities. It's a day where we celebrate the Aussie spirit and show our solidarity with those affected by drought and other challenges in rural Australia.
How Can You Get Involved?
It's simple! All you need to do is register your workplace, team, school, kindergarten, or family to participate in Flanno for a Farmer Day. On the designated day, wear your best flanno (flannel shirt) and donate just $5 to the cause. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those who feed our nation.
Why Flanno for a Farmer?
Flanno for a Farmer is not just about wearing a shirt or making a donation. It's about coming together as a community to support our farmers and rural communities who are facing immense challenges. By participating in Flanno for a Farmer Day, you are sending a powerful message of solidarity and hope to those who need it most.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Together with Jack Berne and Farm Angels, we can make a real difference in the lives of our farmers and rural communities. Join us for Flanno for a Farmer Day and show your support for those who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.
Register Today
Ready to join the cause? Register your workplace, team, school, kindergarten, or family today and be a part of something truly special. Together, we can make a difference, one flanno at a time.
I had the incredible honour of being a keynote speaker at StandTall 2024, an event that brought together over 6500 High School students at the ICC, with an additional 40,000 joining online!!
I spoke about my journey, our mission to support farmers, and the stories of resilience and hope that have inspired our work.
StandTall 2024 was more than just an event; it was a milestone in our journey. It reinforced the power of sharing my story. It was a chance to use my voice and inspire others.
I'm so excited to share my TEDx speech is now available for everyone to watch.. It was so cool for me to have been the youngest speaker on stage at TEDx Youth Sydney in May at Riverside Theatre Parramatta. I still can't believe it!
Being chosen to share my story was such an amazing experience. Standing in front of the audience, with a whole crew of my family and friends, knowing that my voice was being heard by so many people who care about making a difference, was an unforgettable moment.
When the world paused due to the recent lockdown it didn’t put a stop to the creativity and resilience of children.
Now, to celebrate the endless imagination and unique ingenuity that kids possess, the LEGO Group has unveiled an awe-inspiring installation – a 13ft globe – which showcases a build created by Jack Berne, Founder of A Fiver for A Farmer.
We are so excited to share that Jack appeared today in the United States of America on a show called Little Big Shots with Host Melissa McCarthy. What a phenomenal experience. We are so proud and so excited to share it with you all.
From your mate,
Jack
On Thursday 23rd January Jack was awarded an Australia Day award for Outstanding Community service.
The award was received with pride and honour and noted that Jack may only be 11 but he is one of the country’s most successful drought awareness campaigners. The campaign was picked up through the media in 2018 and to date has raised over $1.6 million for Australian farming communities. Jack visited schools and speaks on radio to ensure his message is heard, encouraging people to buy local and in-season.
On behalf of everyone on the Northern Beaches, we congratulate our Australia Day Award winners and thank them for their outstanding contributions to our community.
Jack pictured with proud parents Prue & Mick and little sister Ruby.
The Follow In Their Footsteps campaign aims to inspire kids to reach for the stars reminding them that they’re capable of achieving great things, even while still at school! Jack will be passing his donations onto Drought Angels. Check out the VIDEO!