Four more years for Drought Fund Communities Program

THE Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund Communities Program has been extended for another four years with a commitment of $36 million in new support.

The program, which essentially aims to help communities affected by drought find better ways to work together, will be co-delivered by the Bendigo-based Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

An additional $2.8 million in funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) has also been announced, giving farmers and small related businesses access to more free and independent financial counselling support.

This funding includes $800,000 committed directly to the South Australian and Victorian RFCS providers.

FRRR chief executive officer Natalie Egleton said drought is “really biting” at present and Central Victoria is “feeling it particularly.”

She added that backing groups to provide relevant, timely, flexible, targeted, local support “is absolutely vital.”

“The funding that we provide to these local communities is designed to be at their pace, as they need it, and to tap into the most effective approaches to their wellbeing and social capital,” she said.

Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the region has been battling with dry and arid conditions and it’s important our local farmers and producers aren’t left behind.

“Our rural support is always available, and we’re committed to making sure those services are delivering,” she said.

Find further information on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.