The following information is general in nature and although we have provided some figures, please don’t self assess.Take the time to speak with the agency concerned, a Drought Support Worker, or a Rural Financial Counsellor. NSW I&I Drought Hotline: 1800 814 647. 8.30am to 4.30 pm – Monday to Friday
Drought Support Workers Drought Support Workers provide support for families during drought and other emergencies, such as floods, fires and storms. This often involves supplying information on what support and assistance is available and who may be eligible, along with help with the multitude of forms. Drought Support Workers can also provide personal support to people who just want to talk. This can involve talking to farmers and their families on the phone, visiting on their farms or talking to small groups of neighbours. A significant aspect of the work is development within rural communities to help maintain social bonds and community ties that may be stretched due to the stresses that many people are under. The co-ordination of Farm Family Gatherings helps to bring people together and overcome the isolation that stress and depression can cause.
The information contained in this guide is general in nature and people should check with the provider of the service regarding their personal situation.
EC Relief Payment Up to $823.00 / fortnight (available to Small Business also) Off Farm Wages Salary - <$20,000 + net farm income < $40,300. Net off farm assets < $252,500 per couple or $178,00 single. Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
Pension Bonus Scheme - A voluntary scheme that rewards people who defer claiming Age Pension. To benefit you must register as a member then continue to meet a flexible work test for at least 12 months before claiming the Pension Bonus. Need to be age pension age by 20/09/09. Still able to apply. Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
EC Interest Rate Subsidies Up to $100,000 / year (available to Small Business also) Net off farm assets excluding superannuation and Farm Management Deposits < $750,000, all members of enterprise derive 50% income from farm, been in business > 2 years, >75% of your labour on farm. Other rural businesses have further criteria. Rural Assistance Authority Rural Financial Counsellors : Graham Christie 0438 444 540 Eddie Redfern / Karl Scroope 02 6927 6622 Lisa Minogue 0447 283 688, Darren Macartney 0410 622 599, Sheree McKenzie 0416 235 759
Exceptional circumstances Exit Grant Up to $170,000 Net assets limit of $575,000 after selling all farm assets before 30th June 2010. Includes re-training grant up to $10,000 and Relocation Grant up to $10,000.(If in EC declared areas) Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
EC Interest Rate Subsidies for Small Business Up to $100,000 per annum Must have a registered ABN, in business for > 2 years, < 100 full time employees and > 70% turnover from activities for goods and/or services to farms in an EC area or based in a town with a population of 10,000 or less in an EC area and business substantially reliant on farmers affected by drought. Rural Assistance Authority 1800 678 593 web: www.raa.nsw.gov.au
EC Drought Relief Payment for Small Business Up to $823.00 per fortnight Must have a registered ABN with less than 100 FTE employees, contribute significant labour and capital to business and derive significant income from business. Non-business assets same as EC farmers asset limit. Must show 70% or more income from providing goods and services to farm related activities or in a town with a population of 10,000 or less in an EC area. Must demonstrate downturn in gross income as result of drought. Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
Business Sustainability Program - This program offers strategic and practical support to establish regional businesses due to a recent decline in turnover. Assistance of up to $5,000 is available subject to eligibility criteria. NSW Department of State and Regional Development. Jane Barnes 02 69 216 422. web: www.dsrd.nsw.gov.au
Climate Change Adjustment Program Re-establishment Grant Up to $150,000 Farmer must have sold their farm and have net assets of less than $350,000. (Non-EC areas only. Apply before Sale of Property) Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
Private Native Forestry Reform Package Up to $120,000 Available to landholders and forest growers adversely affected by the Private Native Forestry code Department of Environment and Climate Change (02) 9995 6723
Tax relief Benefit: varies. For those whose income is made in drought affected areas, provides more time to pay tax debts; instalment payments without interest charges; & measures such as deductions on water facilities. Australian Tax Office 13 11 42 option 3 web: www.ato.gov.au
Rural household out of tank water Up to $400. Low income rural household, which relies on tank water for their household needs because they are not connected to a town water supply. Multiple applications may be made. Department of Community Services 1800 018 444 www.community.nsw.gov.au
NSW Rainwater Tank Rebate
The Rainwater Tank Rebate is available for the installation of any new rainwater storage system in residential properties in NSW. Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW - 1300 361 967. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/ccfrtw.htm
National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative
Household Rebates of up to $500 for new rainwater tanks or greywater systems. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 1800 808 571. www.environment .gov.au/water
Transport Subsidies Benefit: varies. Property must have a Property Identification Code and livestock in a drought declared area. Covers 50% transport costs for fodder, livestock below fat score 3 and stock and domestic water. Livestock Health and Pest Authority: Hillston 02 6967 2507 Condobolin 02 6895 2152 Hay 02 6993 1403 Murray 03 5886 1203 Narrandera 02 6959 2322
(Extended to 30/9/2010]
Youth Allowance Students whose parents are receiving an EC Relief Payment are exempt from the Youth Allowance Parental Income Test and Spending and Savings Test and may be entitled to the maximum payment rate Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
DoCS drought relief payment Up to $2000. Farm and non farm households NOT in an EC declared area and NOT in receipt of Centrelink income support with insufficient income or cash reserves to meet basic living needs Department of Community Services 1800 018 444 www.community.nsw.gov.au
Rentstart - Provide quick financial help to clients in need, particularly those facing homelessness. NSW Department of Housing 1800 629 212 or www.housing.nsw.gov.au
Business Management Support
FarmReady Up to $1,500. Primary producers (which includes farmers, fishers and foresters), immediate family members, members of the management team or indigenous land manager. Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries 1800 087 670. www.farmready.gov.au
Professional Advice & Planning Grants Up to $7,700 (If in EC declared areas) Net off farm assets < $750,000 and been in business > 2 years.Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714 - Griffith,
Climate Change Adjustment Program Advice and Training Up to $5,500 (If in Non-EC declared areas) Assist farmers to obtain professional advice and training to adjust and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Must have net assets of less than $1,500,000, including farm assets and the principal residence. Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714,
Special Conservation Scheme Up to $150,000. Net Assets Limit $5,000,000. Submit an application for a low interest loan for up to 90% of costs before work is started on hail netting, soil conservation work, stock and domestic water supply, noxious weed control, upgrading irrigation systems, desilting dams, hay and grain storage, and establishing perennial pastures. Rural Assistance Authority Rural Financial Counsellors:
Graham Christie 0438 444 540 Eddie Redfern / Karl Scroope 02 6927 6622 Lisa Minogue 0447 283 688, Darren Macartney 0410 622 599, Sheree McKenzie 0416 235 759
Farm Management Deposits - Encourages farmers to set aside pre-tax income in good years for use in low income years. EC declared farmers can access FMD’s within 12 months and retain tax benefits Tax Office 13 28 66. www.ato.gov.au
Agstart Various grants. Assists people aged between 18 and 35 at the start of their career in agriculture and agribusiness. Submit an application for reimbursement of stamp duty, traineeships, succession planning, mentoring, setting up in agribusiness, exporting. Rural Assistance Authority : Jacinta Townsend 6391 3081
Graham Christie 0438 444 Eddie Redfern / Karl Scroope 02 6927 6622 Lisa Minogue 0447 283 688, Darren Macartney 0410 622 599, Sheree McKenzie 0416 235 759 www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Financial counselling A free service. The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free, confidential rural financial counselling to primary producers. Rural Assistance Authority Rural Financial Counsellors:
Graham Christie 0438 444 540 Eddie Redfern / Karl Scroope 02- 6927 6622 Lisa Minogue 0447 283 688
Workcover Safety Package Up to $1,700. Free PTO guards valued up to $200, silo safety improvements up to $1000 and eligible farmers and business operators can apply for a $500 rebate after attending a WorkCover safety workshop then investing in safety. WorkCover 13 10 50. www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Small Business Advice Benefit: practical support and advice. Small Business operators able to receive free assistance & information on issues including home based business, exporting, networking, business start-up, taxation, finance, business plans, drought assistance, e-commerce, marketing & advertising & Government grants. Riverina Area Consultative Committee: 02 6964 5500
Business Improvement and Recovery Strategies Up to $3000. Small regional businesses are able to apply for this grant to directly implement business improvement and recovery strategies or engage external expertise to help sustain their operations during and beyond the drought NSW Department of State and Regional Development : Jane Barnes 6921 6422. www.business.nsw.gov.au
Caring for our country Up to $50,000. Caring for our country is the Australian Government's new environmental management initiative. It aims to achieve an environment that is healthier, better protected, well managed, resilient and provides essential ecosystem services in a changing climate. The program will be delivered in partnership with regional natural resources management groups, local, state and territory governments, Indigenous groups, industry bodies, land managers, farmers, landcare groups and communities. Caring for our Country 1800 552 008, www.nrm.gov.au.
Catchment Management Authorities - Various grant programs that can assist in the environmental development of your property. Lachlan CMA 6851 9500 Murrumbidgee CMA 6932 3232
AusIndustry. AusIndustry is the Australian Government’s business program delivery division with a range of more than 35 business products, including innovation grants; tax and duty concessions; venture capital; small business services; and support for industry competitiveness. Ausindustry Hotline:13 28 46 Gilli Williams 0429 838 024 or 02 -69 211 828
Legal Information Access Centre. Free access to law information through the State Library, and a referral guide to free legal advice and assistance is available. (02) 9273 1558 www.liac.sl.nsw.gov.au
Legal Aid Help Line. Solicitors and other trained staff available to answer legal questions 1300 888 529 web: www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Farm Debt Mediation. A farmer can within 21 days of receipt of the Form 1 Section 8 notice advise the creditor and chose from a list of accredited mediators provided by the NSW RAA before a creditor can take possession of property. Rural Assistance Authority - 1800 678 593 or Kevin Eckerick 02 63 913 013 www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Fair Trading. Free financial counselling, personal finance or mortgage negotiation, consumer and tenancy advice. NSW Office of Fair Trading 133 220 www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Health and Wellbeing
Health Care card -Various concessions. Those in receipt EC Relief Payments may obtain health concessions such as cheaper prescriptions, as well as household, educational, recreational and transport services. Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714
Low Income Health Care Card. Not contingent on receiving other assistance and no assets test. Contact Centrelink for further details on allowable income. Centrelink Rural Service Officers: Rody O’Grady 0428 606 714
Isolated Patients Travel & Accommodation Assistance Scheme - Financial assistance for isolated and rural people required to travel more than 100km for specialist medical treatment not available in their own area. NSW Department of Health, Transport Unit (02) 9391 9000 / 1800 800 511
Accessline - Greater Southern Area Health Service 24 hour counselling & referral service -1800 800 944
Drug and Alcohol Practitioner - Operates out of Griffith Community Health Centre. Trish Leonard 02- 69 669 900
Rural Mental Health Support Line - provides counselling and related support to farmers and others in rural areas in NSW 1800 201 123
Womens Information and Referral Service - Free, confidential and culturally sensitive service offer a first stop contact point for women seeking information and referrals on a wide range of issues affecting women. 1800 817 227 / www.women.nsw.gov.au
Rural Mental Health Project Officers - Provide information to give communities a better understanding of mental health issues. Greater Southern Area Health Service - Merilyn Limbrick 0428 249 719 / Nicola Barrie 0438 694 192
Social Worker Rural Psychologist. Provide counselling and support to Centrelink customers with difficult personal or family issues. Jeanette Lloyd 0400 428 003
Mensline - Offers 24/7 professional, anonymous telephone support, information and referral using approaches that suit the way men think and behave. 1300 789 978 web: www.menslineaus.org.au
Kids Help Line - Australia’s only free, confidential and anonymous telephone & online counselling service for young people between 5 -25 Ph: 1800 551 800 / www.kidshelp.com.au
Headspace - Free service for 12-25 year olds. GP's psychologist, social workers, drug and alcohol worker, youth workers, dietician, sexual health nurse and mentors to help with life skills. www.headspace.org.au
Communicare 5000 (Intereach) - A program funded under the Mental Health Community Based Program. Supports individuals and families impacted upon by Mental Illness. Iris Hone: 42 Yambil Street Griffith NSW 2680,
Ph: 02-6964-6020 / 0434 730 763
SANE -Provides information about symptoms, treatments, medications and where to go for support and help for anyone concerned about mental illness. Ph: 1800 187 263
Centacare - Personal helpers and mentors can deliver a one on one service to people affected by mental health. Sonia Skewes Ph 02-69 641 447 / 0407 231 085
Carer Assist - Providing information, education, advocacy and support for people who care for someone with a mental illness. Cherie Adams Ph: 02-6962 3099 / 0400 533 041
Community Support and Networks
MGPN Mental Health Drought Support Service - FREE service. Self referral on phone number provided. Initial 2, 1 hour sessions with a psychologist. Shaye Goullet 0419 209 361.
Community Water Grants Up to $50,000. Grants available for projects related to water saving and efficiency, water recycling, and water treatment – improving surface and groundwater health. www.communitywatergrants.gov.au
‘Just Ask’ - rural mental health - Information service and referral for people with mental health problems, as well as to concerned friends, relatives. Lifeline 1300 131 114
Mental health support - Services and tools to assist farmers & irrigators managing their businesses and coping with stress: includes books and online resources and personal counselling support. Rural Mental Health Support Line: 1800 201 123
Rainy Day Foundation and DPI Drought Support Workers - Rainy Day is working with the Salvation Army to distribute funds to communities in need. Roz Escott-Gregory 0425 337 713 /
Community Transport Program - Provides transport to people without access to regular, affordable and appropriate transport to medical, business, and social engagements. Ministry of Transport Andrew Proctor 02 6921 3588
Red Cross - Red Cross cares for people whose lives have been touched by tragedy or disaster. David Clark 1800 422 717
Anglicare - Provides emergency relief, counselling and welfare services to the general community 13 26 22
St Vincent de Paul - Personal support, farm visits, advocacy, food, clothing and some financial assistance. Wal McCormack Ph 02- 69 635 420 / 0428 624 066
The Salvation Army - Counselling, referral and limited household financial assistance in emergencies. Noelene Barrass 0429 720 071 or Les Barrass 0427 720 071
Uniting Church - Rural Chaplain Service and some emergency financial assistance. Kel Hodge 0429 634 416, Julie Greig 0429 344 456
Country Care Link - A confidential service operated by the Sisters of Charity Outreach, Darlinghurst, for both town and country people throughout NSW. 1800 806 160
Relationships Australia - Free counselling service. Farm visits if required. David Post Ph 02-6923 9100 / 0488 239 100
Workforce Skilling
Job Search - Includes services notification, and access to Intensive Support job search training - EC declared areas. Job Search 13 62 68
Productivity Places Program Free training up to $3000. Training places allocated to job network enrolled people wanting to gain or upgrade their skills in aged care, or Transport and Logistics Riverina Community College (RCC Employment & Training).
TAFE Benefit courses for $51.00. For those who are on Exceptional Circumstances. TAFE may provide an exemption for Certificate Level mainstream courses for those who are in possession of a Health Care Card. Need to contact local TAFE Campus for further details. Riverina Institute of TAFE Graeme Anderson Wagga Wagga 02 - 6939 5040. Diane Blachut Temora/West Wyalong 02-6977 3717 Griffith TAFE 02- 69 620 444
Drought Force Work for the dole - Youth Allowance plus extra $20.80 a fortnight & up to $1,600 training credits. Gives people who lose their job because of the drought in EC Declared areas the opportunity to work on properties or in the community. People receiving income support who work 30 hours or more a week, do not have to look for work while participating in the program. Danny Molinaro 0417 427 803
Apprenticeship declared drought incentives Up to $3,000. To encourage primary producers and small businesses to continue skills development through apprenticeships. Australian Apprenticeships 133873. www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
PROfarm - Accredited short courses developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries to meet the needs of farmers, primary industries, agribusiness and the community NSW Department of Primary Industries Simone Fuller 02 - 6951 2544 / 0419 610 117
Schooling and Education
Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Up to $1,000. An additional $1,000 to the AIC Additional Boarding Allowance, and an ongoing supplementary allowance of $1,000 for students who receive an AIC Distance Education Allowance. Drought Assistance Hotline 13 23 16
Additional school funding Up to $10,000. Additional funding for both government and non-government schools in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas. Drought Assistance Hotline 13 23 16
Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) - ICPA (Aust) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to ensuring that all geographically isolated students have equality with their non-isolated peers, of access to an appropriate education. ICPA President David Cameron (02) 679 65148. www.icpa.com.au
Private Vehicle conveyance scheme - Where there is no public transport available (mainly in rural areas) parents can apply for a subsidy towards transporting students to school by private vehicle. Speak to your school or visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au
Masonic Youth Welfare Fund - Provides direct financial assistance to students under 25 to complete full time education. www.nswyouth.com.au
The business community and various industry bodies have a range of drought-specific assistance measures and grants available also.
GENERAL
Locust Reporting - If you see Locusts swarming or banding please report to your neareset Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA). Riverina - 69 592 322, Western 0350 201 691, Lachlan 0268 521 688 and Hume 69 230 900.
Fruit Fly Reporting - If you find Fruit Fly or Larvae in Fruit please contact your nearest Inspector with Industry & Investment NSW - Brett Kerruish Mobile: 0427 239 569.
25-08-10 - New: weblink: http://www.everydaywithadhd.com.au - information, support for parents with children with ADHD. New website for young people: www.theline.gov.au - Website for information on where to draw the line in relationships and how to maintain healthy relationships. Topics: sexting, texting, facebook, respect, bullying. 'The Line' has a free confidential 24 hour helpline 1800 200 526 to enable young people to talk with experienced counsellors.
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