There are a number of agencies or programs that can provide assistance to rural communities.
Personal Drought Support and Regional Counselling
If you’re concerned about yourself, your family or someone close to you, call one of the following counselling services. All services listed are provided free.
Country and Outback Health – 8643 5600 – Mental health and community outreach services to drought affected areas on the Eyre Peninsula and in Far North SA.
Country Health SA Mental Health 24-hour service – 13 14 65 – Trained mental health clinicians can provide advice or direct people to appropriate services and support.
Regional Access Program – 1300 032 186 or https://saregionalaccess.org.au/ – Professional phone and online counselling 24/7 for people 15 years or over living or working in regional SA.
Murray Mallee GP Network – 8531 1303 – Counselling services to individuals affected by drought.
Family and Business Support (FaBS) Program – 1800 255 556 or http://pir.sa.gov.au/drought – If you just want to chat about what support is available and discuss some options, you can also talk with our Family and Business Support mentors. They can provide primary producers, families or small businesses in drought affected regions an experienced and independent ear and help connect you to appropriate financial or wellbeing programs and services.
Financial Services/Assistance
Rural Financial Counselling Service – 1800 836 211 or http://www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au/RFCS
Confidential, professional business support for primary producers and small agricultural business owners experiencing financial difficulties, offering information about loans, Farm Debt Mediation and SACWA financial assistance applications. Support is available to prepare for lender meetings, business analysis and referrals to other services. Delivered by Rural Business Support.
SA Country Women’s Association – 1800 836 211 or http://www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au/RFCS/SACWA
SACWA works with Australian Red Cross and Rural Business Support to provide financial assistance of up to $3,000 to farmers in drought affected regions. information on eligibility and to apply, call to talk to a Rural Financial Counsellor.
Drought Community Support Initiative (St Vincent de Paul Society & Salvation Army)
Vinnies 13 18 12 or https://www.vinnies.org.au/
Salvos 1300 551 030 or http://www.salvos.org.au/drought
Under the Federal Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative, Vinnies and the Salvos can provide up to $3.000 cash and vouchers to eligible farmers, farm workers and farm suppliers, and contractors in specified local government areas.
Anyone affected by current dry conditions who has questions about their individual circumstances, or concerns relating to animal health or welfare, can contact the PIRSA Drought Hotline on 1800 255 556 or go to http://pir.sa.gov.au/drought