Drought is an enduring feature of the Australian landscape, one that central Victorians know too well, and managing drought is becoming more challenging as the climate continues to change.
In response to continuing drought conditions, the federal government has committed an additional $2.8 million to the Rural Financial Counselling Service and an additional $36 million to extend the Future Drought Fund Communities Program for another four years.
The government has partnered with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to help build drought resilience in communities across Australia.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters, who visited FRRR last week, said central Victoria had been battling dry and arid conditions that were making life difficult for local farmers and farming communities.
“Because of more severe weather events, we are now going from one extreme to the other very quickly. It’s become dry very quickly after a prolonged period of drought, we have more storm weather come summer,” Ms Chesters said.
“That is why, at a federal level, we’re partnering with not-for-profit, grassroots organisations like FRRR, so we can ensure this funding gets into every nook and crany in Australia where they are drought affected.
“If a farmer needs support we encourage them to reach out to rural financial counselling services, there is an office here in Bendigo, and people can make an appointment, to get free, independent financial advice on how to have the conversation with the bank, where to next, and find out what other funding is available,” she said.
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said that supporting social wellbeing, and backing local community groups to get support that was relevant, flexible and timely, was absolutely vital.
“The grant funding that we provide to these local communities is designed to be at their pace and when they need it. It taps into the most effective approaches to their wellbeing and social capital,” Ms Egleton said.
“The partnership includes the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation to deliver leadership training to rural communities. We recognise that funding for projects and not-for-profit organisations is really important, but also there are people who are constrained and need a bit of investment, so this builds up our people power, to support action through communities.”
Ms Egleton said there were a broad range of grants delivered by FRRR year round, including a specific prepare and recover stream to account for all weather events.
“We can go from flood, to drought, to fire in a matter of months, so that stream of funding is there as a flexible amount that community groups can apply to anytime. We also have other programs coming on and off line with our funding partners, so just give us a call and we will help you navigate what the right funding opportunity is,” she said.
“We recognise that most of the organisations and community groups that we are trying to support are largely volunteer run, or might have a small staff base, or might not have a lot of experience accessing funding, so the process itself is pretty straightforward and we always have a team on the phone providing support.”
For more information on Rural Financial Counselling Service visit: wswrcs.com.au/or call: 1300 735 578.
Keep up to date with FRRR grant opportunities at: frrr.org.au or call: 1800 170 020.
