The Salvation Army has released resources to help farmers and regional communities. Farmers needing assistance, can call (02) 8757 8088 to book an assessment, or complete an online assistance form at salvos.org.au/drought.
If you would like to donate to help farmers go to salvos.org.au/ruralsupport or donate at Westpac (Salvos or Rotary). All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Cash is preferred to benefit fringe businesses in the affected area also.
The CWA of NSW offers assistance to help meet household expenses for drought affected families up to a maximum of $3,000 per family/household. Expenses can include grocery bills, vehicle maintenance, school fees, electricity, rates, telephone, dental and medical (gap payments or cost of travel to access treatment) etc. To access drought aid grants contact drought@cwaofnsw.org.au or (02) 8337 0210. The information provided will remain confidential.
To discover if you are in an “intense drought” or “drought” area according to the DPI Combined Drought Indicator go to https://edis.dpi.nsw.gov.au For those who wish to donate, go to https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate and select Disaster Relief Fund from the Donate To drop down menu.
Vinnies has launched a state-wide fundraising campaign for NSW Drought Assistance to help farmers affected. To find out more call 6862 5758 or email wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au All queries will remain in complete confidence.
Information on all current drought funding and farm assistance packages is available at the NSW Government Drought Hub with information on services and support to prepare for and manage drought conditions. Visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593.
The hub has information on the following: Farm Innovation Fund; Drought Assistance Fund; Transport Costs for Donated Fodder; Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy; Farm Business Skills Professional Development Program; Rural Financial Counselling Service; NSW Farm Debt Mediation; Farm Household Allowance; Local Land Services; Drought Feed Calculator; NSW Rural Resilience Program; Farm Management Deposits; Drought Loans; and Don’t Self-Assess.