Just like Victorian clubs, Keno proudly stands behind vital community organisations, such as Rural Aid and Disaster Relief Australia.
Australia is no stranger to extreme weather, but this year has delivered a brutal reminder of just how unforgiving nature can be.
While floodwaters left homes in many states underwater and entire regions isolated, elsewhere, farmers have been battling dry, cracked earth and empty dams, with little to no access to drinking water or feed for their livestock.
These concurrent disasters are not only testing the resilience of our communities but also highlighting the urgent need for coordinated support and long-term solutions.
As Australia once again heads into one of its most high-risk seasons for natural disasters, it’s more important than ever for Keno, thanks to its venues and players, to support organisations like Rural Aid and Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), which are on the ground delivering critical aid where it’s needed most.
Hope and support to farmers
Last month, Keno announced a continuation of its partnership with Rural Aid with another $100,000 donation.
As Australia’s leading rural charity for more than a decade, Rural Aid provides essential on-the-ground relief, financial aid, and emotional care to farmers impacted by natural disasters.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters says Keno’s previous support had helped the organisation contribute more than 4,800 bales of hay, 138 water tank deliveries, 1,300 counselling sessions, and financial assistance to more than 200 farmers.
“What makes Rural Aid special to communities is that we bring hope to people who have been impacted by the worst of situations, from droughts to floods and fires, and a whole lot more than that. Nothing is more powerful than hope, and often it’s all people have at that point in time,” he says.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen big challenges come and hit our farmers hard. Drought started to unfold and become more serious in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. While on the other end of the country, we saw big flood events in Queensland.
“Against the backdrop of these disasters, the support from Keno has allowed Rural Aid to respond rapidly. We’re so excited to continue this partnership and answer the call of our farming families.”
Helping communities recover
In 2025, Keno’s long-term partnership with DRA moved into its sixth year with another $200,000 contribution to its disaster recovery efforts.
DRA is committed to supporting communities before, during, and after a natural disaster, offering various services with skills from Australian Defence Force veterans, emergency responders, and everyday Australians.
“We are aware that disasters are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity,” DRA Chief Executive Officer David Smith says.
“The increasing frequency and severity of these events make it more crucial than ever to support Australian communities in their recovery efforts. The partnership between Keno and DRA focuses on reaching out to communities impacted by natural disasters.
“It’s about restoring hope in times of despair and being present for those who require the most assistance. This collaboration also empowers DRA to mobilise the veteran and defence community in support of disaster survivors.”
Keno’s General Manager of Licensed Venue Operations Paul Malek says Keno is committed to helping Australian communities recover, rebuild and prepare for the challenges ahead.
“As more communities face increasing pressures from natural disasters and other hardships, the role of organisations like Rural Aid and DRA has never been more vital. They provide critical support when it’s needed most, but they need all the support they can get,” he says.
“Thanks to our venues and customers, we’re beyond thrilled to continue our support for Aussie communities.
“Keno is enjoyed by venues along the eastern seaboard, including Victorian clubs. In turn, these venues often become hubs of their local communities during natural disasters, supporting everyday Australians.
“In this way, Victorian clubs are central to the fabric of their local communities. And just like Victorian clubs, Keno is committed to helping local communities not only recover from natural disasters but also build resilience for future events.”
