Hon Tim Whetstone MP
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development

Drought-affected communities across South Australia are being encouraged to apply for up to $10,000 towards local activities, events and functions focused on wellbeing and building resilience.

The $330,000 Connecting Drought Communities Events Grant program is part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s $21 million Drought Support Package.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the grant program is aimed at encouraging drought-affected communities to connect and help lift spirits.

“Recognising the current coronavirus restrictions, we are encouraging drought impacted communities to organise virtual and innovative events to adhere to social distancing measures,” said Minister Whetstone.

“The grant program is open to local industry, community, local government, not for profit incorporated groups and organisations in drought affected areas of the state who are looking at holding events, specialist workshops and activities for local communities.

“We believe such events will assist farmers to build resilience and maintain their wellbeing through the ongoing drought, which is having a severe impact on many parts of the state.

“These events should provide a forum for drought-affected community members to socialise and network, however in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions we recognise flexibility is the key so these activities can either be remote or be planned for when the restrictions are lifted.

“Many people in these drought-affected regions are doing it tough and I will continue to work with those directly impacted on the best way we can support them.

“Our expanded $21 million package provides immediate financial assistance with council rate and pastoral lease rent rebates, improved mental health outreach services as well as extra resources to help control wild dogs which can have devastating impacts for our pastoralists by driving sheep off farming lands.

“The mental health and wellbeing of those in our drought-affected communities is a priority which is why we will further expand our Family and Business Support Program to provide individual mental health outreach services.”

The grant program will close on 30 June 2021, or when funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

The first round of applications must be received by 15 June 2021. Groups will be able to apply for one or more events in a funding application or submit more than one application for different events.

For more information on Connecting Drought Communities Events Grant program including guidelines and application forms, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/droughteventgrants