Australian cattleman and country singer Roo Arcus is seeking help after his family’s farm was struck by a devastating fire.
To help the Arcus family, a GoFundMe has been launched by a friend, Kathy Jaeger. In images shared in the GoFundMe, the family’s damaged shed has fallen on top of their utes, while the vehicles have also sustained damage.
The GoFundMe states that as well as the shed and vehicle damage, tools, farming equipment, horse riding gear, household contents, veterinary equipment, and treasured items, including photos, were in the shed at the time of the fire,
In a Facebook post shared by Roo Arcus’ wife, Sue, she revealed that some of the items lost include Roo’s guitars, CDs, and merch stocks.
Thankfully, no people were harmed.
“Sue and Roo Arcus and their family are well known around the Goulburn district - most of all as caring, loving people who are true blue Aussie battlers and farmers. Last night at 8:30 pm 28/09/2024 they were hit by a devastating blow,” Jaeger wrote.
“The family farm suffered from a fire to the property's main shed that housed all the vehicles, tools, farming equipment, horse riding gear, lots of household contents and veterinary equipment. Not only that but their treasured memories and photos were also stored in the shed due to a renovation.”
Jaeger added that the Arcus family “would give you the shirts off their backs” and are known in the community for supporting those around them.
Following the devastating blaze, Jaeger wrote that Roo and Sue Arcus are “absolutely devastated”.
The post continued, “Thanks to the drought and soaring cost of living prices, most farmers are underinsured as they can't afford the astronomical insurance premiums.
“The flow on effect is this to the Arcus family - there is no way their insurance would come close to covering the huge loss to the farming family. Many farmers like the Arcus family have had to give up insuring items and hope for the best.”
Jaeger confirmed that the family’s shed and contents are insured, but that insurance won’t cover “close to” the worth of said contents, the demolition, or rebuild.
“I am asking the community to help our friends - these guys are the people who will pull up next to you when you are broken down and lend a hand. They go to the ends of the earth for strangers. Imagine what they do for their friends and family and community,” Jaeger wrote.
“Please - if you can spare a bit of help, a donation, or lend a hand they will be forever thankful as will their friends and family. They are not asking - I am asking, can you please help. They are too humble to ask for anything. But they are in dire need.”
Over $4,600 of the GoFundMe’s target of $10,000 has been raised. You can contribute to the fundraiser here.
Having split his time between the US and New South Wales, Australia, Roo Arcus is one of the nation’s most celebrated country music artists and is a 2016 CMAA Award Finalist for Male Artist of the Year and Toyota Heritage Song of the Year. He’s set to appear at the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival.