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Eligible farming families in the Warrnambool municipality can receive up to $1,000 through a Victorian Government drought relief program.
This week Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the opening of the $2 million Household Financial Relief Program which provides money to help cover urgent household expenses.
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 directly with farmers and rural communities to make sure their needs are met through the support packages.
Mental health is also a key focus for the Taskforce, and based on its feedback, we’re 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 successful 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.
Other support programs available to farmers across Victoria include the Farm Drought Support Grants, with up to $5,000 to support investment in on-farm drought management activities. A $5,000 top-up is available for farmers in the 12 drought-affected Local Government Areas and southern parts of West Wimmera, taking their grants up to $10,000.
The payments are open to farming families in 12 drought-affected Local Government Areas including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Greater Geelong, and the southern parts of West Wimmera.
To apply for a Household Financial Relief payment, visit cwaofvic.org.au or to view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
“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,” Ms Spence 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.”