Support still available for drought-affected farmers and related workers

Support is still available in the Goondiwindi region for farmers, farm workers, farm suppliers and farm contractors who have been affected by drought.

Goondiwindi Regional Council is reminding residents that they may be eligible for a one-off payment of up to $3,000 per household through the Australian Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI – round 2), delivered through the Salvation Army.

The Honourable Lawrence Springborg, Mayor of the Goondiwindi region, said that while the current COVID-19 pandemic may be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, residents shouldn’t forget that there is ongoing drought support available for producers, suppliers and contractors.

“We’ve been lucky to have some recent relief from rain events in the Goondiwindi region, but we are still in drought.  And this drought has been so pervasive that many farmers and businesses in our region will be feeling its effects for a long time.

“The agricultural industry employs more than 1,500 people in our region. I would implore those who are eligible for the DCSI to spend that money in our towns when you can, and to help those other businesses in the region who may be struggling in the current circumstances.”

The Salvation Army has distributed more than $26million of funding to over 9,000 drought affected households since 21 November 2019.

To be eligible, residents must be over the age of 18; be an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and live and / or work in the Goondiwindi region.

Applicants must not have already received payment from The Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul in Round 2 of the DSCI (since 21 November 2019). However, recipients of the DCSI Round 1 (concluded 30 June 2019) are now eligible to apply for assistance again.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought. Online applications are preferred, but a 24/7 Telephone Assistance Line is available on 1300 551 030.