Supporting State’s farmers as drought maintains grip
As the latest figures show more of NSW has slipped into drought, support agencies have pledged to maintain assistance for affected farmers, focusing particularly on mental health issues.
Drought co-ordinator Graeme Eggleston described the mood of the recent NSW Drought Welfare Coordinating Committee (DWCC) as determined.
“We all realise the serious situation faced by our farmers and their families, and are determined to pool our resources to help the farming community continue to survive this drought,” he said.
“Mental health is one of the top priorities, along with maintaining the extension services of regional staff, such as drought support workers and Rural Financial Counsellors.
“An additional team of regionally-based mental health workers is expected to start work in key locations in coming months, and a range of mental health-related community and education events are being planned.”
Speaking at the committee’s latest meeting at Dubbo, NSW Department of Primary Industries Director-General, Barry Buffier, predicted the next few months would be particularly challenging for farmers.
“In coming months, farmers will be making some critical decisions with huge consequences for the viability of their farms,” he said.
“The challenge for us is to help them deal with both these decisions and the possible consequences,
Brian Kelly from the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health stressed the importance of being careful in the use of rural suicide statistics, and to focus more on supporting farmers in trying to stay positive.
“The resilience of farmers in coping with drought is amazing and should be included in our messages regarding the support available.”
Assistance measures and various water initiatives will remain in place for as long as they are needed,” Mr Eggleston said.
The drought hotline, 1800 814 647, will continue to operate 8.30am-4.30pm weekdays and include two extra hours during the evening (7.00-9.00pm) every day.
The DWCC, chaired by Director-General of NSW Premiers Department, Col Gellatly, meets regularly at Dubbo to gather updates on current drought-related issues in regional areas and support measures provided by Government, not for profit and farmer organisations.
Other members of the NSW Drought Welfare Co-ordinating Committee include NSW Farmers Association, State Council of the Rural Lands Protection Boards, NSW Health, DOCs, Centrelink, Anglicare, Adracare, St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army and State and Regional Development.
Contact www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/drought for information on drought assistance and key contacts.