More Funding Available for Farm Gate Support Events

An extra $400,000 has been allocated to support community events aimed at helping farming families recover from drought and bushfire challenges across Victoria.

The funding is being delivered through the Look Over the Farm Gate program, which provides grants of up to $5,000 for locally organised events that encourage social connection and wellbeing.

Run by the National Centre for Farmer Health, the program has supported more than 320 events since June last year, attracting over 40,000 participants.

Director of Climate, Resilience and Communities Amanda Pagan says activities ranging from barbecues and farm visits to movie nights and community dinners have helped reduce isolation and strengthen support networks.

The initiative forms part of the Victorian Government's $146.5 million drought support package and is designed to encourage communities to check in on farmers during difficult seasons.

Applications remain open until available funding is exhausted or until the end of June, with approved events able to be held through to September.