March 2004

Recognition for Gippsland drought assistance teams

A partnership between Government departments, volunteers and community workers saw 195 farm visits to families affected by the drought in Central and East Gippsland.

The project involved the Departments of Primary Industries (DPI) and Human Services, Wellington Shire and Centrelink.

The DPI Call Centre phoned more than 3,400 households.

In response to that initial contact, more than 700 information kits were mailed out and farm visits were planned as requested.

DPI staff—with volunteers or community workers—then visited at a convenient time for the farmers.

DHS Emergency Recovery Officer Sally McKay coordinated the volunteer roster—a vital component of the project was the work by trained volunteers or community workers.

The volunteers or community workers operated as a team with DPI staff members to visit farming families affected by the drought.

Upon a request from the farming family, these teams visited the farmers’ homes where they could sit around the kitchen table and provide support in a relaxed manner.

The DPI worker, an authorised Centrelink representative, helped farmers fill out the drought assistance form, while the volunteer or community worker listened to the family’s concerns and put them in touch with local services, such as personal and financial counselling.

DHS Gippsland Regional Director Valerie Callister presented each volunteer with an appreciation certificate.

As well as acknowledging individual efforts, Ms Callister thanked the Wellington Shire, Kilmany Uniting Care, Lifeline, Community Aid Volunteer Program through Central Gippsland Health Service and the Victorian Council of Uniting Churches for their support for the project.