Congratulations to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) drought support worker team who took out the top gong at the recent NSW Premier’s Awards for their Farm Family Gathering initiative.

This hard working group of dedicated professionals were deservedly named as winners of the evening’s major award, the State Plan Award for their Drought Related Workshop program.

So impressive was the program that it was also deemed the winner of the gold award in the Delivering Locally category.

There is little doubt that this program certainly has "delivered locally" with the team organising more than 2290 gatherings and workshop events for drought ravaged communities since this current drought began back in 2002.

The importance of the farm family gathering events cannot be under estimated in terms of the role they play in providing a little time out and relief from the stress and heartache of drought.

Of equal importance is the strength of the networks of the drought support worker team.

Over the years they have provided immeasurable support to rural and regional families by ensuring a range of relevant agencies have been present at these Farm Family Gathering events armed with information to help them access assistance and other support measures.

It was a highly successful night at the awards for the department, with DPI staff being honoured with a total of five.

These included a gold award in the category of Growing Prosperity Across NSW for the Equine Influenza (EI) response team in recognition of their role in successfully eradicating EI from NSW.

Another gold award was presented in the Environment for Living category for the Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Program, acknowledging the achievements in native vegetation and biodiversity in NSW rivers and coastal waterways.

The Tumut Containerised Seedling Nursery Facility was awarded a silver medal in the Growing Prosperity Across NSW category, recognising Forests NSW efforts in designing and constructing a new nursery that maximises efficiency of production.

I congratulate each and every person involved directly or indirectly in these projects and commend you on the dedication and professionalism you display in carrying out your roles.

Drought update

October rains have seen a drop in drought-declared area of almost 6.5 per cent with latest figures showing 62.8 per cent of NSW is now in drought (down from 69.2 per cent), while 17.4 per cent is marginal (up from 16.8 per cent) and 19.8 per cent is satisfactory (up from 14 per cent).

The improved areas are located primarily in the northern and central parts of the state.

Recent widespread rains should prove a welcome boost and may improve that outlook further.

Further reading

NSW drought maps

NSW drought assistance