New program opened to help farming families make ends meet during drought

Farming families in southwest Victoria struggling through ongoing drought conditions are set to receive much-needed financial support, with the Victorian Government announcing a new $2 million Household Financial Relief Program.

The program will provide direct cash payments of up to $1,000 to eligible farming households to help cover essential expenses like food, rent, school costs, utilities and medical bills.

Delivered by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria, the program targets 12 drought-affected local government areas including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, Greater Geelong, the Pyrenees, and the southern parts of West Wimmera.

The CWA, a key part of the Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce, has long supported rural families and will now be administering payments until June 2026 – or until funds run out.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence says the support is aimed at easing the pressure on farming families who’ve been hit hardest by drought.

“This targeted cash flow relief supports farming families in the south west who have been experiencing the worst drought conditions over the past two years,” she said.

CWA Victoria President Jenny Nola says the organisation is ready to step in where it matters most.

“We’ve seen first-hand how drought takes its toll on families, and we know programs like this can make a real difference at home.”

The financial relief program forms part of the Government’s broader $144 million Drought Support Package, which also includes a strong focus on mental health.

That includes an extra half a million dollars for the successful Look Over the Farm Gate initiative – a community-led program run by the National Centre for Farmer Health to promote social connection and mental wellbeing through local events.

So far, more than 60 drought-affected communities have applied for support to run those events, with grants of up to $5,000 still available.

Additionally, $600,000 will go towards hiring three new wellbeing counsellors across Gippsland, northeast and northwest Victoria through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Eligible farmers across Victoria can also access Farm Drought Support Grants, with a base payment of up to $5,000 – and an extra $5,000 top-up for those in the worst-hit regions.

To apply for the Household Financial Relief Program, visit cwaofvic.org.au. For more information on drought support services, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.