Fund to support drought-affected farmers

THE Victorian government has opened a $2 million fund to help farmers in south-west Victoria get through the drought.The Household Financial Relief Program provides up to $1,000 to eligible farming families to meet urgent household expenses.

It is open to farming families in 12 drought-affected Local Government Areas, including the Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Golden Plains and Greater Geelong municipalities.

The support program is being delivered by the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria, which plays a pivotal role supporting rural communities and families, particularly during emergency response and recovery.

The CWA is part of the Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce, which engaged with farmers and rural communities to make sure their needs are met through the support packages.

“The CWA of Victoria knows only too well the toll drought takes on families and has seen first-hand how relief programs such as this can ease the pressure at home, ” CWA Victoria president Jenny Nola said.

“We look forward to working with the Victorian government to deliver direct support to those who need it most.”

Mental health is also a key focus for the taskforce, and based on its feedback, the Victorian government is backing a range of targeted mental health programs to support individuals and communities feeling the strain of the prolonged drought in the $144 Drought Support Package.

This includes the Look Over the Farm Gate program, which supports community-led events that promote social connection and mental health awareness through the National Centre for Farmer Health.

So far, more than 60 events have applied for funding through this program, and there is a further $500,000 to continue to provide grants of up to $5,000 for more community events.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence opened applications to the Household Financial Relief Program earlier this month.

“This targeted cash flow relief supports farming families in the south west who have been experiencing the worst drought conditions over the past two years,” she said.

“We are pleased to be working with the CWA of Victoria on a program that will give farming families support, which they can manage in a way that suits their individual needs and budgets.”

To apply for a Household Financial Relief payment, head to cwaofvic.org.au or to view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.