With most of NSW currently affected by drought there has been increased interest from groups and individuals wanting to donate money, goods or other types of assistance to farming families and communities in need.

NSW DPI has set up a Drought Donations register to link groups wanting to donate money and goods to welfare organisations that may be able to assist in the delivery and distribution of these donations to individuals and communities.

NSW DPI has a Drought Hotline on 1800 814 647, which can be contacted by groups and individuals who want to donate money or goods. The hotline is available from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays.

Guidelines for donations

• You are encouraged to donate money rather than goods, as the money can then be spent locally in the drought-affected communities. This supports local businesses that are also affected by drought. Donations of money to charitable organisations are generally tax-deductible.
• If you wish to donate food products please ensure that the food is non-perishable and well within the ‘use by’ date.
• If you are donating personal care products (e.g. soaps, shampoo, cosmetics) please ensure that any packaging, wrapping or product-protection measures are intact and that products are well within their ‘use by’ date. Please do not donate items that have been obtained free from hotels or motels.
• If you wish to donate toys or games, these should be new, not second hand.

You can donate in two ways:

1. Large donations

If you are an individual or a group (e.g. Rotary, Lions, VIEW, QUOTA or other community group) and you wish to donate money, goods or services, you should contact the NSW DPI Drought Hotline so that your donation can be included on the Drought Donations register.

You will need to provide contact details and a description of the donation. Please be aware that the details you provide will be recorded on a spreadsheet that will be made available to participating welfare organisations through a password-protected site on the NSW DPI website.

The welfare organisations may (or may not) contact you to arrange the pick-up and delivery of the donation.

2. Small donations

If you wish to donate singular or smaller amounts of money or goods, you should contact a local welfare agency in your area. If you are unsure about which welfare agencies are available in your area, contact the NSW DPI Drought Hotline 1800 814 647 for assistance.

For further information about the Drought Donations scheme, please contact the Drought Hotline on 1800 814 647.