Big Dry Friday
Supporting rural Australia
Big Dry Friday is a day to recognise the importance of rural and regional Australia, to connect city and country and to provide support where it's needed most. The concept is simple. On a Friday, once a year, city people forgo (or match) what they might spend on a nice lunch or drinks and donate it to the cause.
The aim is to create long-term benefits by supporting charities focused on education, mental wellbeing, healthcare and those suffering financial hardship through natural disasters. Over the past nine years we have raised more than $11.8 million with the help of supportive businesses and their staff and clients across Australia and distributed these funds to our major beneficiaries and a number of smaller regional charities.
$2+ million raised in 2026
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of companies, staff, clients and everyday Australians, we raised a record $2 million in a single day, and that's before Perth even gets its turn in November.
That number doesn't happen without you. Whether you donated, sponsored, rallied your team or simply showed up, you were part of something genuinely special. Every dollar goes directly to the people who need it most. Our four major beneficiaries, Rural Aid, Schools Plus, Outback Futures and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, along with community organisations right across the country, will receive funds that make a real, lasting difference to rural and regional Australia.
And here's the number that really puts it in perspective: we've now raised close to $12 million over nine years. Twelve million dollars directed towards education, healthcare, mental wellbeing and disaster relief in communities that so often go without. From everyone on the Big Dry Friday team, thank you. Genuinely. You made this possible.
How it began
Morgans Financial Limited launched Big Dry Friday in 2018 to raise awareness about the severe drought affecting regional and rural Australians. The goal was to unite rural, regional, and urban communities and provide support where it was most needed. Participants, including businesses, staff, and clients, were encouraged to forgo a day of entertainment or match their expenses with donations to regional charities.
In the first year, $775,000 was raised, benefiting organisations like AHVise, Aussie Helpers, and Drought Angels. Financial advisers within the Morgans network played a pivotal role by donating their brokerage income, along with significant contributions from the Morgans Foundation.
Major beneficiaries
Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. It provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through wellbeing and fodder assistance.
Schools Plus helps close the education gap caused by disadvantage. Working with teachers and schools to empower communities with funding, coaching and resources.
Outback Futures is committed to long-term, intergenerational change in mental health and wellbeing outcomes for our outback children, families and communities.
The RFDS is a national, charitable, health organisation delivering primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency services for those that live in rural and remote Australia.
Get involved in 2026
Big Dry Friday is a day for rural, regional and urban Australians to reconnect, while raising funds to provide support where it's needed most. There are multiple ways to get involved. You could run your own Big Dry Friday event or talk to us about tailored sponsorship options.
If you would like to support Big Dry Friday and become a partner, we have tailored options to suit. These include national opportunities or state-based events attended by professional service firms and leading rural and regional businesses.
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