Drought Recovery

Drought affects more than the land. It impacts farm businesses, livestock and community wellbeing.

Some support services and assistance programs are available to help primary producers and rural communities prepare for, manage and recover from drought conditions.

See also NSW Government Drought Support Measures

Support for Primary Producers

Local Land Services

Local Land Services can provide free feed and water testing kits to help producers assess feed quality, plan feed budgets and manage livestock health. To arrange a free testing kit, contact your nearest Local Land Services office.

Address: Local Land Services Tenterfield – 142 High Street, Tenterfield, NSW 2372

Phone: 02 6770 2000 (business hours from Monday to Friday)

Email: enquiry.northerntablelands@lls.nsw.gov.au

Available Support Services & Grants

• NSW Drought Assistance
• Australian Government Drought, Disaster and Rurual Support
• Drought Hub website
• Rural Assistance Authority
• RDA Drought Assistance for Farmers
• Regional Investment Corporation
• Rural Financial Counselling Service – more info here
• Drought Angels
• Drought Assistance Fund NSW
• Rural Aid – see also information flyer
• Buy a Bale
• Farm Business Resilience Program
• Drought Adoption Officers

Skills & Training

The NSW Government subsidises selected skills training opportunities for farmers and regional businesses impacted by drought and looking to transition into new or updated career opportunities.

Visit Training Services NSW for further information.

Support for Individuals and Families

Drought Hub

The Drought Hub website provides information on NSW Government drought assistance and support services for primary producers, families and rural communities.

Farm Gate Support Program

Delivered by the Hunter New England Local Health District to provide direct community support.

Phone: 0438 865 978
Email: HNELHD-FarmgateSupport@health.nsw.gov.au

Farm Household Allowance

Financial support is available for eligible farming families experiencing financial hardship. Check eligibility.

• Service NSW Business Concierge
• Rural Financial Counselling Service
• Training Services NSW

Health and Wellbeing Support

Looking after your wellbeing during difficult seasonal conditions is important. Support is available 24 hours a day.

Emergency Support

• Emergency Services: 000

Drought Psychologist (Free Support)

Based in Armidale, providing free and confidential support to individuals, couples, and families impacted by drought throughout rural Hunter New England. Support is available via phone, online, or through property visits.

Phone: 6776 9905 or 0407 215 750
Email: HNELHD-DroughtPsychologist@health.nsw.gov.au

More details: view the Drought Pyschologist brochure.

Mental Health and Crisis Support

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Mensline Australa: 1300 789 978
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Rural and Community Support Services

• Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
• Hunter/New England Healthwise
• Are You Bogged Mate?
• You Got This Mate
• Your local GP or health provider