Government and non-government agencies have met in Forbes to identify the gaps in the system and make sure that each one could direct people to help.
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From health to churches, charities to government agencies, they were all in the one room discussing how to improve services across the Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan shires.
The day’s coordinator Di Gill, Rural Area Mental Health Program, tasked them with identifying the big issues facing our farming community and finding the gaps in the services.
They wouldn't fill every gap, she acknowledged, but she hoped that by the end of the day each person in the room would be able to connect every person that came to them to assistance.
“For one person, it’s overwhelming,” she said. “But when you know there is a heap of resources out there ...”
Department of Primary Industries James Cleaver was one of those in the room, and said it had been an excellent day.
“Everyone is doing great work, but there are that man parties and resources, it’s important for us to know what’s out there,” he said.
And that’s critical.
While some areas have had what looks like average rainfall statistically, summer storms have done little to improve conditions on farms.
This past week’s hot conditions have made things even tougher.
Everyone’s hoping the weather adopts a “new year, new me” approach and delivers decent rainfall, but there’s no guarantee of that.
Even if it started raining this week, the impact of last year’s drought conditions will be felt for a long time yet.
Those who lost crops and sold their stock off last year won’t have an income for months to come, and high feed prices continue.
So it’s important everyone in the sector knows what assistance is available to our farming families and businesses, from practical assistance right through to health and mental health services.
Another person in attendance was Forbes Shire Council’s drought coordinator Sally Downie, who is also familiarising herself with her role.
Sally is available to chat about drought matters through Council on 68502300.
Local Land Services is still hosting its drought morning teas: the door is open on Wednesday mornings to pop in for a cuppa.
Mrs Gill added that one of the first places people should go for health advice and assistance is their GP.
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