Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has delivered a win for his electorate, with cash and vouchers already rolling out for farming households under the Coalition Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative.
“I strongly urge eligible farmers to access these vouchers and cash, which are a practical means of lessening the financial burden many households are experiencing right now due to the drought,” Mr Coulton said.
“The packages on offer are up to $2000 in cash and $1000 in vouchers per household, delivered through The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Rotary Australia. The vouchers must be used locally.
“This injection of money into the electorate will help boost local businesses, as well as those doing it tough on-farm.”
Mr Coulton said The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Rotary Australia can be contacted for further advice about accessing the support, including eligibility.
Minister for Regional Services, and Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said getting practical support to those facing financial pressure because of the severe, long-term drought is a top priority.
“I am pleased to confirm the $30 million Drought Community Support Initiative is up and running,” Minister McKenzie said.
“It provides immediate assistance to at least 10,000 farming households facing hardship because of the drought.
“We are continuing to work with trusted not-for-profit organisations and I am pleased that The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and Rotary Australia World Community Service are delivering this assistance on behalf of the Liberal & Nationals Government.”
To be eligible to receive this assistance, an individual from a household must be 18 years or older, a farmer, farm worker or farm supplier/contractor who lives or works in one of the 81 eligible Local Government Areas and is suffering financial hardship as a result of the drought.
The Drought Community Support Initiative was announced by the Australian Government at the National Drought Summit on 26 October 2018.
The Liberal & Nationals Government has committed almost $7 billion for drought support including more than $25 million to improve mental health services in drought-affected areas.
Contacts for information about accessing support
The Salvation Army:
24 hour assistance line: 02 8757 8088
salvos.org.au/drought
St Vincent de Paul:
Assistance line: 13 18 12
vinnies.org.au
Rotary Australia World Community Service:
Head office: 02 8833 8317
rawcs.org.au
