Drought-ravaged areas to share $15m

COMMUNITY groups in drought-ravaged areas — including East Gippsland and northern Victoria — will share in $15 million to aid the fallout from severe lack of rainfall.

COMMUNITY groups in drought-ravaged areas — including East Gippsland and northern Victoria — will share in $15 million to aid the fallout from severe lack of rainfall.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack will today announce small grants for not-for-profit groups to deliver projects with the aim of reducing social isolation, promoting leadership, reducing volunteer fatigue and supporting local economic recovery or renewal.

The distribution of the $15 million will be managed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, a non-government organisation based in Bendigo, through the Tackling Tough Times Together program.

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Community groups in drought-ravaged areas will share in $15 million to aid the fallout from severe lack of rainfall. Picture: Ian Currie

The state government yesterday unveiled its own $25 million drought package, including aid for families struggling with education costs, plus extra mental health services and infrastructure for farmers.

Mr McCormack said the foundation would distribute the grants “quickly” across all states and territories to regions hit by drought.

“Over the past few months, the government has been on the ground listening to how best to assist communities, tough and resilient as they are, to pull through these difficult times,” the federal Nationals leader said.

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