FEDERAL SUPPORT: The Networks to Build Drought Resilience program focuses on local initiatives to enable agricultural communities to be better prepared for the impacts of drought. It is part of a Government investment of $19.2 million to help build drought resilience. Pic courtesy of Chris Watson and Farmpix.
A special project to help young farmers manage stress has received a big boost from the Federal Government.
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Farmlink Research Ltd would receive $18,096 for a project titled Improving Young farmer Mental Resilience in Times of Drought. The grant is one of 33 awarded across Australia worth a total of $1.4 million in Round 1 of the Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience program.
“One of the worst droughts in our history has ended, thankfully, but as anyone living on a rural property will tell you the stress that comes with drought does not just switch off the day the rains come,” Mr McCormack said.
“The mental anguish of drought lingers and I know there are young farming families today still dealing with the trauma of what they had to endure two years ago before the latest drought broke. “We need to recognise the long-term effect of drought on young lives and support programs which build resilience. As well, we need to be aware farming practices and farming family relationships are very different to how they were even 20 years ago and develop ways which help people cope with change.”
Farmlink, based at Temora in the heart of the Riverina electorate, will host an event for young farmers to build skills and networks to manage the impacts of stress during drought, intergenerational relationships and communicating effectively within family farm businesses.
The aim of the project is to increase awareness of practical on-farm strategies which improve capability, participation in networking opportunities for farmers and interpersonal abilities to manage the stress associated with drought and climate change.
Applications are open until 15 November 2021.