Ventia is proudly supporting Big Dry Friday, an annual event that challenges city people to forgo, or match, what they might spend on lunch or drinks for a day and donate it to support people living in rural Australia. 

All donations raised go to supporting education, mental health and wellbeing through some of Australia's most trusted charities, including Rural Aid, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Schools Plus, and Outback Futures. 

Launched by Morgans Financial Limited, Big Dry Friday began in 2018 with the aim of creating awareness of the difficulty that many regional and rural Australians were facing, as a result of one of the most severe droughts. 

Now in its sixth year, the initiative has raised more than $4.5 million dollars in total for rural charities. 

Morgans Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan said, "Big Dry Friday is a day to connect city and country and to provide support where it's needed most. Whatever you donate is going to a great cause. 

We want to remind those in rural and regional communities that their efforts in supporting everyone living in the city, are recognised and appreciated.

^{Approximately 40% of Ventia's workforce is based in rural and regional areas.}

The Morgans Foundation has pledged to match all donations dollar-for-dollar this year with a maximum $350,000 matched. There's also an auction with all proceeds going toward the initiative. 

With approximately 40% of Ventia's workforce based in rural and regional areas, we're proud to support this initiative and contribute to our regional communities. 

For more on Big Dry Friday and how you can support, visit bigdryfriday.com.au