Tactics for Tough Times - The Background
Councils in Northwest Victoria and Northern District Community Health (NDCH) have been active in advocating for a drought support package. In particular NDCH have been advocating for extra support for counselling, community capacity building and coordination. In Gannawarra NDCH has been working with farmers to support them to highlight the impacts the ongoing dry conditions are having on their resilience levels, business and livelihoods.
As a result Gannawarra Shire Council, Loddon Shire Council, Buloke Shire Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council received funding through the Department of Health and Human Services to support their communities.
NDCH developed a program called Tactics For Tough Times (TFTT) in partnership with the Councils and the farmers in Gannawarra, and advocated that by pooling some of the funding allocated, a meaningful suite of services could be delivered that will make a real difference to our communities.
The Purpose of TFTT
The TFTT program is aimed at increasing the capacity of our community to support each other through conversations, counselling, skill development and a suite of resources aimed at building resilience and knowledge.
Acknowledging that farmers and local businesses are doing it tough; the Tactics for Tough times program will engage with concerned businesses, service providers and community members across the four shires of Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke and Loddon. It will provide a package of resources (referral pathways) and upskilling opportunities which can be utilised when communicating with farmers and other individuals whose mental health is impacted by the climatic conditions, dairy industry downturn and water prices.
TFTT Program Roles
The Community Support Role was appointed in late April 2019, this role will fulfil most of the community engagement program activities. The Mental Health Clinician role will support the program with clinical counselling at the farm or in one of our offices, or that of our partners. This role is currently being advertised.
Community Support Role
Paul Lacy has filled the role of Community Support Worker. His background in rural communities is significant with 18 years of experience in the irrigation industry working for Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) and he grew up on a dairy farm at Mead (near Cohuna). Paul is a Project Manager; with his previous projects including significant community engagement and communication program activities for which Paul was lead. He is passionate about his community and is looking forward to making a difference in this role.
Counselling
In partnership with local communities, Rural Financial Counselling (RFC), Industry Field Officers and relevant regional agricultural consultants a Mental Health Clinician will provide on farm/business counselling support.
If you need support or further information on how NDCH can assist you, please contact us on 03 - 5451 0200.
Further information can be found on Tactics for Tough Times Program HERE
Councils in Northwest Victoria and Northern District Community Health (NDCH) have been active in advocating for a drought support package. In particular NDCH have been advocating for extra support for counselling, community capacity building and coordination. In Gannawarra NDCH has been working with farmers to support them to highlight the impacts the ongoing dry conditions are having on their resilience levels, business and livelihoods.
As a result Gannawarra Shire Council, Loddon Shire Council, Buloke Shire Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council received funding through the Department of Health and Human Services to support their communities.
NDCH developed a program called Tactics For Tough Times (TFTT) in partnership with the Councils and the farmers in Gannawarra, and advocated that by pooling some of the funding allocated, a meaningful suite of services could be delivered that will make a real difference to our communities.
The Purpose of TFTT
The TFTT program is aimed at increasing the capacity of our community to support each other through conversations, counselling, skill development and a suite of resources aimed at building resilience and knowledge.
Acknowledging that farmers and local businesses are doing it tough; the Tactics for Tough times program will engage with concerned businesses, service providers and community members across the four shires of Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke and Loddon. It will provide a package of resources (referral pathways) and upskilling opportunities which can be utilised when communicating with farmers and other individuals whose mental health is impacted by the climatic conditions, dairy industry downturn and water prices.
TFTT Program Roles
The Community Support Role was appointed in late April 2019, this role will fulfil most of the community engagement program activities. The Mental Health Clinician role will support the program with clinical counselling at the farm or in one of our offices, or that of our partners. This role is currently being advertised.
Community Support Role
Paul Lacy has filled the role of Community Support Worker. His background in rural communities is significant with 18 years of experience in the irrigation industry working for Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) and he grew up on a dairy farm at Mead (near Cohuna). Paul is a Project Manager; with his previous projects including significant community engagement and communication program activities for which Paul was lead. He is passionate about his community and is looking forward to making a difference in this role.
Counselling
In partnership with local communities, Rural Financial Counselling (RFC), Industry Field Officers and relevant regional agricultural consultants a Mental Health Clinician will provide on farm/business counselling support.
If you need support or further information on how NDCH can assist you, please contact us on 03 - 5451 0200.
Further information can be found on Tactics for Tough Times Program HERE
