As Gippsland battles severe bushfires and drought, an Australian Government initiative, operated by Mission Australia in Sale, is taking practical steps to help ease the burden on drought affected families.

The Drought Force program helps individual farms and farm communities that have been severely affected by drought. The program allows workers who have lost their jobs due to drought, return to work on drought affected properties while they receive Newstart allowance and training credits. The aim is to assist farmers with their workforce needs – especially those who have lost workers – by keeping the pool of farm labour from moving away from the region.

Sue Boulter, Services Manager for Mission Australia in Sale, said the initiative would not only help drought affected communities put food on the table, but would help provide relief to the local rural and regional communities battling incredible odds.

“The drought affects people in many ways. Mission Australia hears stories from individuals who suffer from alcoholism, depression, financial and relationship strains – often direct impacts of the drought.”

“What remains largely hidden are the many personal tragedies of our country counterparts. We see families separating to find work in other communities, we hear stories of husbands committing suicide and we watch young adults put on hold their own ambitions to provide help for their families.

“With Drought Force we hope to provide support and assistance to our local community and help ensure drought affected communities remain resilient in this difficult time,” Ms Boulter said.

Nationals Member for Gippsland Peter McGauran said the Drought Force program was an example of the practical measures the Government had taken to help farming communities through the devastating drought.

“The last thing rural communities need is to lose their farm workers because of a lack of work. Drought Force makes it easier for them to stay, while helping to satisfy farmers’ workforce needs,” Mr McGauran said.

Media Contact: Charmaine Waduge on 8615 2226 or 0407 411 256