Government Initiatives and Support Services for Victoria's Drought Affected Farmers
There are a range of Government Initiatives to support farmers in times of need. These include Exceptional Circumstances provisions, specific drought-support initiatives and other general support services. At all times farmers have free access to both personal and financial counselling services. The Guide to Services provides an overview of services with specific contact details to aid people accessing drought related support in Victoria. More detail on individual initiatives is below.
Ongoing Initiatives
Transition Support Service - Provides an intensive and personalised case management support service (life coaching) to farmers accessing the Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) in northern Victoria.
Rural Women, Drought and Climate Change initiative - Community Engagement Officers with a focus on women and drought have been appointed in five rural regions in the Department of Planning and Community Development Local Teams. More information is available at the Rural Women's Network.
Exceptional Circumstances (EC)
Eligible farmers in EC declared areas can access income support payments, business interest rate subsidies (full EC only) and the Victorian Government’s EC municipal rates subsidy. Fact Sheets, maps of areas covered by EC declarations and the relevant dates can be viewed at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- To access EC support farmers need a certificate that their farm is in an eligible area. These are available via Centrelink on 132 316.
- For information on EC income support contact Centrelink on 132 316.
- For information on EC business interest rate subsidies (full EC only) contact the Rural Finance Corporation on 03 5448 2600.
DPI will provide advice and information to industries, communities or local government regions who are preparing EC applications for consideration by the Federal Government. Information on EC applications is available at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry or by contacting DPI on 136 186.
Concessions for people on low incomes
Eligible low-income households may be able to access a range of concessions such as on their utility bills and the purchase of non-mains domestic water For eligibility information contact the Department of Human Services on 1800 658 521 or at DHS Concessions.
Personal Counselling
There is a range of counselling and personal support services available for people experiencing personal or family pressures as a result of drought or other issues. Dealing with stressful events is often helped by talking it over whether with a local GP, clergy, telephone help lines or local counselling and support services.
Personal and family counselling hotlines available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Lifeline on 131 114
- Mensline on 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Free personal counselling is available in drought affected areas through the Centrelink Drought Assistance Line on 132 316. The Centrelink website has a range of information to assist farmers dealing with drought.
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry provides support for farmers considering future alternatives to farming as part of the Farm Help Program.
The Department of Human Services has a Drought page which provides links to counselling services and also to a range of useful publications including "Losing the Farm" and "Suggestions for Farm Families in Crisis".
beyondblue provide information about depression, anxiety and substance-use related disorders in the Australian community on 1300 224 636.
Family Relationship Service provide families with access to information about family relationship issues on 1800 050 321.
Financial Counselling
Rural Financial Counsellors can provide free, independent financial assessment for farming families and small rural businesses. This includes services for people from non-English speaking backgrounds. The Victorian Government has funded (Future Farming Statement) three additional financial counsellors in northern Victoria.
For information on Rural Financial Counselling in your area contact DPI on 136 186 or visit the Rural Financial Counselling Service Programme.
Sustainable Farm Families
The Sustainable Farm Families (SFF) program aims to improve the physical and mental health of farmers and their families. Each SFF workshop covers a range of areas including cardiovascular disease, cancer, stress, diabetes, women and men’s health, farm safety, nutrition, physical activity, anxiety and depression. The SFF workshops are run over three years and will be delivered to 1500 Victorian farmers from 2007 to 2012.
