Moree Plains Shire residents doing it tough in the drought are encouraged to seek help and apply for financial assistance.
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Farmers, farm workers and farm suppliers/contractors who are facing hardship arising from the impact of drought may be eligible to apply for financial support as part of the Drought Community Support Initiative, announced by the Australian government at the National Drought Summit on October 26, 2018.
The objective of the initiative is to provide immediate assistance to those affected in eligible Local Government Areas, including Moree Plains Shire.
Immediate financial support may constitute up to $3,000 per eligible household using a combination of up to $2,000 in cash and up to $1,000 in vouchers.
This financial assistance is being delivered locally by The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and Rotary Australia World Community Service on behalf of the government and is designed to be a simple and timely process without the red tape.
Moree Plains Shire Council’s mayor, Cr Katrina Humphries would like to encourage people affected by drought in the shire, to contact one of these organisations and talk about their situation to access financial, practical or emotional assistance.
“People in our community are doing it tough, and some are reluctant to ask for help,” Cr Humphries said.
“I urge anyone affected by the drought or who are feeling the pinch, to reach out and ask for assistance.
“Consider it to be a tax return and take the help that is offered with both hands.
“After all, this drought is a natural disaster and has impacted many of our town’s families and businesses. This funding means that money can be invested in the local economy and provide relief for many more people in need.”
Households should contact these organisations directly through phone numbers and websites below to access a range of available support and further information:
- St Vincent de Paul: call 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au/page/News/National/National_News_Items_2019/The_Drought_is_Taking_Its_Toll
- Salvation Army: call 02 8757 8088 or visit www.salvos.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/disasters-other-appeals/2018-droughts or www.salvos.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/disasters-other-appeals/2018-droughts/access-drought-assistance
- Rotary Australia: www.rawcs.org.au