News from Wellwishers Australia - funding hand dug water wells in Tigray Province, Ethiopia.

Wellwishers Australia - funding hand dug water wells in the Tigray Province, Ethiopia.

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NEWS FOR WELLWISHERS

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Qeyih Saeri well, Mai Tekli community, Samre District, Tigray
New hope for Shewit

Shewit Hagos is a 15 year old 6th Grade student from the Tahtay Adekesandid village in Kilte Awulaelo District, Tigray (you can see her well at 13.848220 39.572320 on Google Maps). Shewit lives in a household of five and has faced significant challenges in accessing clean water, a responsibility that has weighed heavily on her young shoulders, and tells us:

"Before our well was built, we were compelled to walk for an hour and a half to gather water. As girls, we had the additional burden of collecting water during wartime, which left us feeling unsafe and fearful of the risks, including the threat of violence against women. I remember the toughest days when we went without even a glass of water. Before the construction of the new well, I struggled to arrive at school on time. My teachers often expressed their frustration with my lateness, and my school work suffered as I was exhausted from long walks to fetch water."

However, the recent establishment of a community water point, made possible by the Relief Society of Tigray (REST) and funded by WellWishers, has dramatically transformed Shewit's life.

"This water point has changed our lives completely. We no longer have to walk long distances; now we can collect four jerrycans of clean and safe water each day. We now feel safer, and I am finally able to arrive at school punctually. I believe my school results will improve as well. I am committed to encouraging my community to protect this water point as if it were their own property, and I will contribute all I can, including monthly fees."

Ross and Marianne Allan
Vale Marianne

It is with much sadness that we announce that Marianne Allan died late April in her home in Castlemaine surrounded by her family, after a 6+ year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was one of only 2% of Stage 4 sufferers to survive this long from this terrible cancer.

As many of WellWishers supporters would know, Marianne was the wife of WellWishers founder, Ross Allan. She tirelessly supported Ross behind the scenes as he established WellWishers over 20 years ago. Marianne also accompanied him on their many trips to Ethiopia over the years, a country whose people she loved. Her encouragement will be greatly missed. We say farewell and thank you Marianne.

Progress in 2026... and beyond

Our story and achievements may seem a bit repetitive, but for thousands of Ethiopians each year our support and interest in their lives is new and exciting - and life-saving!

In 2025 we funded the successful construction of wells in another 40 villages bringing life-saving water to 8,450 people who need safe water as much as we do.

Support from our WellWishers family in 2025 has enabled us to commit to village water supply in another 40 communities in Tigray this year. With an unexpected donation of $50,000 from an individual donor recently received, WellWishers Trustees will consider an extension of the 2026 program.

Please dig deep into your pockets to ensure the continuation of our life-changing program. Donations before June 30 are tax deductible in this Financial Year. Every accumulated $7800 of individual donations will mean another well with associated sanitation programs.

Thank you to all our supporters and friends. We need every one of you to help us make a difference!

Graham Romanes, Trustee and Honorary Manager, WellWishers Trust

A New Dawn for Nigisti Atsebha

Watch Nigisti tell her story in this video:

Audited Finances

We are pleased that we have a clear audit once again for the Financial Year July 2024 to June 2025! Our thanks to Craig and the team at Forvis Mazars. We had an excellent year, raising $423,937. This brings our total since we began 21 years ago to over $6 million. An amazing effort from our community of donors - all done without any Government funds. You can see the report. Click here.

Our ongoing support over the last two decades has funded village water supplies in 1162 villages for over 360,000 Ethiopians. A big Thank You from the WellWishers Trustees, our partner REST and from our supported communities in northern Ethiopia. Our finances leave us in a good position to make firm - and increased - commitments in 2026.

Mark Harwood, Chair of WellWishers Trustees