Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Albanese Government’s Future Drought Fund (FDF) is delivering local investments aimed at boosting social drought resilience and mental health in the Buloke, Loddon, and Greater Bendigo Region.  

Round 1 of the Small Network grants, funded through the FDF’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, has supported 29 projects to host events, training, networks and courses or community infrastructure, to make it easier for communities to manage drought conditions. 

Senator Jana Stewart said the $19,130.00 grant awarded to Birchip Cropping Group was just one example of how the Albanese Government was helping communities to get prepared for dry conditions. 

The Birchip Cropping Group’s project will support secondary students from the North Central Local Learning & Employment Network to join farmers, agronomists and industry representatives at the BCG Main Field Day later this year. Participating students will have a specialised stream aimed at highlighting career opportunities in agriculture and in conducting local research. 

“The Small Network Grants have an emphasis on managing the mental health of the whole community as they deal with the economic downturns and the subsequent mental strain of managing droughts,” said Senator Stewart. 

“This complements the Albanese Labor Government’s drought preparedness work through the Future Drought Fund to make available $100 million each year for drought and climate related resilience initiatives, including on-farm sustainability.”   

The Small Network Grants is part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, and is being delivered with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).