State Drought Assistance

The BCG has received a one-off grant of $100,000 in an announcement from the Acting Minister for Agriculture, John Brumby on June 9, 2005. 

The money will be used to help deal with issues associated with the ongoing drought in the northern Wimmera and Mallee. 

Acting CEO, Janice Kelly, BCG Chaiman, Ian McClelland and Acting Minister for Agriculture, John Brumby at the BCG Office June 2005.

A range of programs have been developed by the BCG to develop a support network for farmers which will encourage support of each other in a way that 'forces' them to re-engage with their families, peers and community.

These programs include:

• "Over the fence" - the exchange of farmer opinions or responses on a range of topics in the Weekly Times and regional newspapers across the Wimmera and Mallee (these can be further discussed in our "Online discussion" forum under Contact Us) 
• Talk-back radio with consultants/advisors available to discuss 'phone-in' issues on air
• Provision of free entry to the BCG Expo
• Developing a "guardian angel" mentoring program for farmers
• Developing a database of speakers available free of charge to provide advice to community members.

Members of the BCG Board with John Brumby, June 2005.

For more information, call the BCG Office 03 5492 2787.