Drought Community Support Initiative up to $3,000 per household (tax free)
Closing December 31st
If you are currently living in an eligible drought affected area in QLD, NSW, Vic, SA, Tas or WA please feel free to reach out. A list of the eligible local Government areas can be found here. The Salvation Army is working together with St Vincent de Paul Society to deliver the Drought Community Support Initiative – Round 2 (DCSI) for eligible drought affected households. If you're a farmer, farm worker or farm supplier/contractor who is struggling financially because of the drought, you may be entitled to receive a one-off payment of up to $3,000 funded by the Australian Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative – Round 2 (DCSI). Visit the Salvation Army website for more information.

New Agriculture Strategy & Funding from the Victorian Government
Minister Symes has announced a new Agriculture Strategy to position Victorian agriculture to help drive Victoria’s recovery from COVID-19 and support economic growth. $65 million in new initiatives was also announced to support its delivery, please see here for details www.premier.vic.gov.au/backing-agriculture-victorias-strong-future.  Below is a breakdown of the funding:

• $15 million to access leading AgTech, innovative farming methods and new skills so farmers have the tools and expertise they need to deliver more high-quality products to more local and global consumers
• $20 million for the Food to Market and Pathways to Export programs, which will support infrastructure and business development projects and dedicated agriculture export resources for Victorian farmers
• $30 million investment to extend the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, which helps farmers reduce their energy costs, and be more energy efficient and productive
• The above is in addition to the $50 million recently announced by the Minister last week for the Agricultural College Modernisation Program  which will directly benefit the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus in the Goulburn Valley, please see here for details https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/skills-and-support-next-generation-victorian-farmers