Latest News
Rural Women in a Changing Climate Forum
As part of the Victorian Government’s strategy to support the needs of women in rural and regional areas, the Rural Women, Drought and Climate Change initiative was established in October 2006.
In March and April this year 26 Regional Gatherings took place across Victoria. Over 730 women were involved in discussions about drought and climate change and the challenges facing rural women, their families, farms, businesses and communities.
Information and ideas generated from the Regional Gatherings were showcased, including a multi-media presentation, at a Statewide Forum in Melbourne on April 28 2009. More than 200 women from all regions in Victoria attended.
The Forum was addressed by the Premier, Hon John Brumby and the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Maxine Morand MP.
Guest speakers included Christine Nixon, Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority and Alexandra Gartmann, CEO Birchip Cropping Group.
Case studies were presented from the five Victorian regions;
Posters with a selection of climate change commitments from rural and regional women were also displayed
Panel Members included Alexandra Gartmann (PDF 694 kb) or (Word 30 kb), Jennifer Cane, Rosie Rowe, Margaret Alston and Jane Fisher (PDF 2288 kb) or (Word 38 kb).
Forum participants, including rural and regional women and key statewide climate change stakeholders, discussed Future Directions to address climate change.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Forum.
For further information read the Rural Women in a Changing Climate Outcomes Summary (PDF 1695 kb) or (Word 557 kb).
Australia's Farming Future
Australia's climate is changing over time, and this can be seen in the differences we are experiencing in rainfall, temperature and extreme events. The objective of the Australian Government's Australia's Farming Future initiative is to equip primary producers to adapt and adjust to the effects of climate change. Read more about
$205 million to secure the future of farming in Victoria
The Victorian Government has launched the $205 million Future Farming strategy to boost farming services, drive growth and innovation in agriculture and help the sector respond to new challenges. Read more about the
Victorian Government announces additional drought relief package
The Premier John Brumby has announced a further $115 million in drought relief to help rural communities battling the worst drought on record. This assistance is in addition to the existing Future Farming Strategy. Read more about the
Funding to support Volunteers across Victoria
Victorian Volunteer Small Support Grants of up to $5000 are now available to not-for-profit organisations with relatively small operating budgets. The grants are aimed at organisations wanting to increase the diversity of their volunteers and/or involve or encourage new volunteers. Some examples of activities or projects which could be eligible:
- a mentoring and awareness-raising program to involve people with disabilities as new volunteers in community organisations
- a recruitment plan and advertising campaign, designed in partnership with an Asylum Seeker Resources Centre, to involve volunteers from rural New Arrival communities
- providing essential equipment as part of a campaign to recruit and train more local surf lifesaving volunteers
Read more about Volunteer Small Grants.
The Barwon South West Consultations with Rural Women on Drought and Climate Change
On 11th November 2008 the Barwon South West Consultations with Rural Women on Drought and Climate Change were launched by the Chair of the Barwon South West (BSW) Regional Rural Women’s Reference Group, Cath Jenkins.
The BSW Regional Rural Women’s Reference Group was established in July 2007 as part of Women, Drought and Climate Change initiative. During August and September 2007 the Reference Group members surveyed rural women in their networks, with one hundred and fifty seven women from the region responding (including Reference Group members themselves).
The survey results have produced a valuable snapshot of women’s experiences and concerns on issues relating to drought and climate change, and recognises rural women as active participants in Climate Change discussions.
Some of the major themes identified were:
Read the complete Consultation Report (Word 819 kb).
For further information about the Barwon South West Consultations with Rural Women on Drought and Climate Change contact Catherine McFaul on ph:52156065.
Free DVD – 'A Step Ahead – Guiding farmers through change'
This new DVD from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) aims to help farm businesses plan for and cope with change. It covers a range of topics including adopting technology, working off-farm, succession planning and making changes, and also includes contact details for a range of organisations which offer support and independent advice.
For your free copy of the DVD call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Read more about
VFF Drought contact flyer
The Victoria Farmers' Federation has prepared a handy contact list for farmers needing assistance during the drought. To download a copy of the one page flyer go to the VFF's
Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the
department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department for Victorian Communities
(DVC) as changes are being made.
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