Drought support

Drought-affected farmers, farming families, farm workers and farming contractors in Victoria’s south west are eligible to apply for payments of up to $1,000 to help with urgent household expenses.

Administered by the Country Women's Association (CWA) of Victoria, the Victorian Government's $2 million Household Financial Relief program can help with expenses such as residential rates, rent, food, school, utility costs and medical care.

It is open to applicants in the long-term drought affected Local Government Areas including Moyne.

The CWA plays a pivotal role supporting women, children and families in regional and rural communities, particularly during emergency response and recovery.

Apply online for a Household Financial Relief payment.

Wellbeing counselling is available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West to provide free 1:1 emotional and wellbeing support to farmers, working alongside financial counselling.

Additional Victorian Government support has been provided to extend a wellbeing counsellor role through to 31 December 2026 in the south west.

Contact RFCS Victoria West or call 1300 735 578.

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought-impacted farmers visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.

Farmers from across the state now have access to a second Farm Advisory Service one-on-one consultation with a technical specialist.

More than 720 farmers across the state have already accessed a one-on-one session with an advisor to take stock and manage the season.

Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping. 

The ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ program will continue to support drought-impacted community events across the state, with the next round of applications opening February 2026.

Across Victoria, more than 100 Look Over the Farm Gate events have brought communities together, engaging around 13,000 people.

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to local organisations to run community events that support mental health and wellbeing, through to 30 June 2026.

The program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Primary producers across the state are using Farm Drought Support Grants to manage this drought and set themselves up for future droughts.

Farmers can apply for a co-contribution grant to help cover expenses of eligible activities since 30 September 2024.

Eligible activities include water infrastructure upgrades such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams, pasture and crop re-establishment, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage, along with water carting.

Program guidelines, a full list of eligible activities, and to apply visit www.ruralfinance.com.au/grants 

Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of the farm.

Along with family and friends, there are wellbeing and mental health services available in the community to support your wellbeing, including:

• National Centre for Farmer Health
• Flying Doctor Wellbeing
• Rural Financial Counselling Service wellbeing support
• Lifeline: 131 144
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Rural Aid: 1300 327 624

The Rural Financial Counselling Service offers a free, confidential and independent service to farmers.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, they can help to assess your financial situation, explore your options, negotiate with lenders/creditors, and connect you with available support programs.

Wellbeing counsellors are available in:

• the north east
• north west
• the south west
• Gippsland

The Commonwealth provides additional financial support through the:

• Farm Household Allowance
• Regional Investment Corporation’s low-interest loans.

Farmers across Victoria impacted by kangaroos competing for pasture and crops can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate.

Farmers who hold an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) can access a rebate to hire authorised professional harvesters who have accreditation from the Game Management Authority.

Eligible farmers can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution.