As of 2020, rainfall in South West WA has declined approximately 20%…
This trend is being strongly influenced by our changing climate, leading to warmer temperatures and sparser rainfall events. The impacts of drought are felt across all of Australia, leading to severe consequences for our nations farmers. Organisations across Australia are working hard to help farmers get through those hard times, have a read below to find out how they can help you.
Drought & Flood Agency
The National Drought & North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency aim to,
“ensure people and communities are given the support they need to be better prepared for droughts and floods, now and into the future.”
They have been travelling through rural WA to support farmers through tough times, especially droughts. Check out their webpage Regional Assistance - Drought to find out what supports available to you.
Centrelink
Centrelink have been providing landholders with the Farm household Allowance (FHA), as well as other allowances including pharmaceutical, Remote Area and Rent assistance for years. They’ve recently revamped the structure of the FHA to better suit the needs of farmers.
Find out more about the FHA here and check if you’re eligible! The most important thing to remember is to never self assess. Always seek advice from financial councillors such as Rural West to get the most out of the FHA and other assistance schemes.
Rural West
“free, confidential, mobile & independent financial counselling to regional small businesses and primary production enterprises across WA.”
Rural West can assist landholders and business owners applying for assistance schemes such as the FHA. They provide an excellent service connecting you to assistance and working with you to navigate financial hardship.
Go to their website https://www.ruralwest.com.au/ to find out more about them - the best part is their all WA!
Vinnies WA
Vinnies are supporting local farmers across regional WA by offering a one off payment of up to $3000 to farmers experiencing hardship in drought affected areas.
This payment is funded by round 2 of the Australian Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative. Find out more about the payment here. But get in quick, payments only available till 30th April 2021.
FarmHub
FarmHub is your one stop shop for all available schemes and support to rural and regional landholders. Search their website, https://farmhub.org.au/ to find resources, and get connected to support for you.
This is a great tool for those in need, who just don’t know where to start. FarmHub can help you to find more opportunities you would never have known about, covering business assistance, climate guides, mental health and more,.
Regional Men’s Health
Financial hardship, drought and other issues affecting farmers take a serious toll on our mental health.
Reach out and become a part of the Regional Men’s Health community to check in with yourself and feel supported. It’s just like talking to a mate!
For help specific to the South Coast Region, reach out to one of our Landcare Facilitators to see who they can connect you with.
Esperance, Ravensthorpe & Surroundings Great Southern, Albany & Surroundings
Sophie Willsher - sophiew@southcoastnrm.com.au Letisha Newman - letishan@southcoastnrm.com.au