Farm gate program

Look Over the Farm Gate grants have opened for farmers and communities facing drought and dry conditions across northern Victoria as well as central and eastern Gippsland.

Community groups in drought-affected communities have already started to apply online for State Government grants of $1500 to run events that address mental health and wellbeing.

Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said the pressures of drought conditions were weighing heavily on farmers and rural communities.

“The stress and uncertainty currently being felt across the state will linger and mental health support must be part of our long-term drought support strategy,” he said.

Mr Jochinke said Look Over the Farm Gate events were an opportunity for farmers to take a break from the farm, reconnect with their communities, access professional support and participate in mental health training.

“You know what your community needs, so we encourage community groups to think creatively about what single event or series of events would be most effective,” he said.

“It could be anything from a barbeque and comedy night, regular fitness meet-ups in the park, or a family movie night.”

The program is accepting grant applications for events until March.

The Look Over the Farm Gate grants scheme started earlier this year for fire-affected farmers in south-west Victoria.

People keen to find out more can visit the Look Over the Farm Gate website www.lookoverthefarmgate.org.au.