Natural disaster funding for drought and bushfire affected communities
Wed 19 Feb 2020
Applications are now open for organisations and/or community groups to support people in Southern NSW and the Shoalhaven deal with the uncertainty, stress and anxiety of drought conditions, or to recover from the effects of the recent bushfires.
According to Dianne Kitcher, CEO of COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN, the organisation ran a successful grants program last year in response to the drought with more than $385,000 provided to 33 organisations and community groups.
Additional funding has been made available by the Federal Government as part of their support for bushfire affected regions. “Given the devastating impact of ongoing drought conditions as well as the effects of the recent bushfires on communities across our region, we will be running another round of funding for drought affected communities, in conjunction with the new bushfire grants,” said Ms Kitcher.
“Funding of up to $10,000 is available for small to medium community groups/organisations to provide free community and group-based activities that deliver mental health and wellbeing benefits to people who live in drought and bushfire affected areas in our region,” she added.
“The types of activities that will be considered include events or social gatherings which support individuals and/or communities, help strengthen community connectedness and friendships, build on resilience, and promote help seeking to improve health and wellbeing. “There may also be community education sessions which provide practical advice and skills development, or activities known to improve physical and mental health,” said Ms Kitcher.
Organisations and community groups that are based within a drought or bushfire affected area within Southern NSW and the Shoalhaven regions are eligible to apply.
Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton said: “Our rural and regional communities are extremely resilient, but the widespread drought conditions and effects of the recent bushfires have been testing.” “This natural disaster community grants program will have a positive impact for those in need and I strongly encourage all eligible organisations to put forward their applications.”
To apply for a South Eastern NSW PHN natural disaster community grant, people should head to: www.communitygrants.info where you can find more information on eligibility, grant guidelines and complete an online application for either initiative.
This initiative is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the PHN Program.
- Click here to find out more and apply for a Drought Support Grant
- Click here to find out more and apply for a Bushfire Recovery Grant
