Officials are reporting a groundswell of community backing for a grassroots drought support program.
Colac and district businesses have already committed tens of thousands of dollars towards long-reaching assistance for their farmers and families.
The community will gather for a Band Together event in Colac on June 22, which will raise money and awareness for the “Hey Mate, We Have Your Back” resilience program.
The year-long local program will provide “crucial assistance to individuals and families facing the ongoing challenges of drought”, a statement said.
Co-ordinator Zoe Hudgell said event organisers had secured a partnership with the South West Community Foundation, which meant all donations would be tax deductible and funds would reach the grassroots level where they were needed most.
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Where To Buy“It makes sure that no money is lost, and has the best impact, and anyone can contribute by going to the website or through the QR code,” she said.
Officials will release details about how to donate soon, with people able to stay tuned for updates through the Colac Herald, MixxFM-3CS and a coming event page.
The community-driven Hey Mate project comes after district farmers told visiting Agriculture Minister Ros Spence last week that recovery from the current drought will take years.
“This event is to shine a light on the ongoing impact of the drought – and that the day it rains is not the day it’s over,” Zoe said.
“This is going to be a long process, and farmers are feeling it first but there are flow-on effects when our economy slows down; we want to ensure the program can have an impact across the whole community.”
A drought statement issued by the Bureau of Meteorology yesterday said it was the seventh-driest May on record for Victoria and the driest since 2005.
Zoe said Colac and district businesses had already verbally committed tens of thousands of dollars to the program.
“We actually had to tell everyone to slow down until we formalised the partnership, but that support has been incredible.
“This setup gives the program legitimacy and longevity – it makes it transparent and really accessible to a large amount of people. We can also lobby for government grants and foundation assistance to support and advance the program.”
The June 22 Drought Relief Concert will be from 11am at the Colac Showgrounds and will feature a line-up of local artists and guest speakers, food vendors and kids’ activities.
Zoe said every little bit of support would count.
“As a Colac community, we should be really proud of the way we band together for each other.
“Ultimately, it’s about supporting the community and sharing tough times – all that positive energy and support will continue to build and have an impact.”
The Colac Herald will continue to announce further event details as they emerge.
Meanwhile, Colac and district farmers are invited to hear AFL legend and personality Demott Brereton speak at a Cockies Picnic at the Colac Racecourse on June 18. The picnic is supported under the Hey Mate program and will be the first of a series of community catch-ups.
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