Agricultural
22 July, 2021
Support for district’s farmers
The National Recovery Resilience Agency (NRRA) and Rotary Australia hosted Drought Community Outreach events in Pittsworth and Millmerran last week to provide farmers with the opportunity to see what information and support is available to help them recover from, and prepare for, drought and natural disasters.
The events, which were held last Wednesday in Millmerran and Thursday in Pittsworth, were designed to bring together community members and share with them important information about the Australian Government’s $10 billion drought support package.
The aim was to raise awareness of individual measures, highlight how farmers and regional communities can access support, and enhance uptake.
NRRA Recovery Support Officer for South West Queensland Bryson Head said that while these events are very much about supporting those affected by drought, they’re also designed to be much more.
“These events started off as a drought program but we make it about more than just drought support,” Mr Head said.
“We have a lot of community groups here as well to try and make it a lot more community focused.”
Some of the partner agencies included Rural Financial Counselling Services – Southern Queensland, Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), Drought Angels, Rural Aid, CatholicCare, and Services Australia (Centrelink/ Medicare).
Rotary Australia also partnered with NRRA for the event to provide $500 debit cards to assist those farm households suffering financial hardship because of the drought, and to distribute financial assistance under the Drought Community Support Initiative.
“Rotary’s program is in partnership with the Federal Government and farmer’s, farm workers, contractors and suppliers in affected regions can access those debit cards,” Mr Head said.
“Then the idea is that they spend money in local communities.”
Mr Head said the events are designed so that there’s something in it for everyone who attends.
“Those who attend don’t need to be struggling at the moment to get value out of these events,” he said.
Anyone who missed the event and would like to find out more about the support available can contact Bryson Head on 0428 557 342 or email bryson.head@recovery.gov.au
