The Orbost community showed its standing by its drought-stricken farmers, launching a campaign aimed specifically at providing further support for families in need on Saturday.
Around 100 people flocked to Lochiel Park for the launch of the Stand by your Farmer initiative.
The campaign is aimed at: Promoting mental health and wellbeing of farmers and families; Supporting local businesses, which are also impacted; Working in partnership with community organisations to raise the awareness of support available for mental health and wellbeing; Having the voices of local farmers heard; and promoting support for farming families through fundraising.
“The working group was formed in September this year in response to providing local support for our local farmers, business and Orbost community,” Meryn Pease who is part of the working group said.
“The working group consists of representatives, from the Rotary Club of Orbost, local farmers, Far East Victoria Landcare and women in agriculture, Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Orbost Regional Health.
“Nationally, there is a lot of activity with drought relief / response packages from various organisations and it is often hard to work through the necessary paperwork or indeed influence where the funding goes.
“So we have gathered together a group of local people willing to advocate and develop a local initiative that supports our local farming families, local businesses and the Orbost and Far East communities.”
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the Stand By Your Farmer Campaign was a great initiative driven by the community.
“As many are aware, the drought is really taking a stranglehold on farmers right across eastern Victoria, and particularly those here in Orbost and its surrounds,” Mr Bull said.
“The impact of a serious drought like this are far-reaching. When there is less money going around, various sections of the community like small businesses begin to feel the effects, which is why it was pleasing to see the community come together on Saturday.
“While there are financial supports available from various local organisations and Federal and State Governments, often community-minded events like these are the best therapy for our farmers, who are really feeling the pinch of the drought, as they have been over the past two years.
“Full credit to the working group, which included Rotary members, local farmers, Far East Victoria Landcare, Orbost Regional Health and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for organising.
“I understand the working group has been successful in obtaining some grant funding to support farmers and will hold a number of activities for farming families and the wider community in the near future.”
Ms Pease said the group has been successful in attracting $40,000 in partnership with Far East Victoria Landcare.
“I am hopeful of a further $5000 grant which will be used for community events and activities that supports farmers and the broader communities,” she said.
PICTURED: Jules Henderson and Claire Griebenow complete a health check on Bete Belong farmer, Royston Nettleton, at last Saturday’s Stand by your Farmer initiative launch at Lochiel Park.
