Farming households across South Australia are being encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 in drought support.
St Vincent de Paul Society SA CEO, Louise Miller Frost, said the Federal Government had recently announced the Barossa Valley would also be eligible for the drought assistance, along with 27 other local government areas in South Australia.
The St Vincent De Paul Society and The Salvation Army are delivering the Federal Government program, dividing the LGAs between them.
‘Financial support is available now and Vinnies is ready to process applications,’ Ms Miller Frost said.
‘It’s as easy as jumping onto the vinnies.org.au website or picking up the phone to our call centre 1300 846 643.
‘Eligible farmers, farm workers and farm suppliers, in specific LGAs, qualify for a payment of up to $3,000 to help meet basic household expenses.
‘Your main source of income must come from agriculture or related activities and you must be over the age of 18 to apply.
‘This is a simple process. You’ll need your driver’s licence, evidence to show where you live and proof that you’re experiencing financial hardship. You’ll need a current payslip if you’re an employee.
‘With the drought continuing to bite, Vinnies has a team of experienced, empathetic staff in our national call centre taking calls and processing claims as quickly as possible,’ Ms Miller Frost said.
Ms Miller Frost acknowledged the important role that farmers, including food producers, had to play during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘We are very fortunate in SA to have such a strong agricultural sector, with many providers supplying much needed fresh produce during this crisis. There are not too many other places I would want to live right now,’ she said.
Current program guidelines and eligibility criteria are available here: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-community-support-initiative
The Federal Government has listed specific Local Government Areas which are officially drought-declared. A list of those LGAs serviced by the St Vincent de Paul Society are available here, as well as details about the payment www.vinnies.org.au/droughthelp or by calling 1300 846 643.
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