Drought affected families in the Cobar district once again have access to a Rural Drought Support Worker following the recent appointment of Grace Murray in Bourke.
Ms Murray was appointed under the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Rural Resilience Program to support farming communities across the Far West.
DPI’s Manager Business Resilience Programs, Pip Job said with the ongoing drought the Far West was identified as an area in need of a Rural Support Worker.
Ms Job said the appointment of Grace Murray at Bourke (and also another worker in Tamworth) was essential to provide support to those drought affected communities.
“The Rural Resilience Program works proactively with farming communities and partners to strengthen networks, exchange information and deliver relevant initiatives that build personal and business skills and knowledge,” Ms Job said.
Ms Murray has lived in Bourke most of her life, has a great understanding of the communities of the far west region and the challenges farmers are facing during the drought.
“Grace will work with other government agencies and partners to deliver initiatives for Far West farmers and farming communities that build personal well-being, leadership and business skills,” Ms job said.
“Especially during drought we know how important it is for farmers and farming families to stay connected with their communities.”
The Rural Resilience Program has staff across NSW and works closely with other partners such as the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, Rural Financial Counsellors, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and the Local Lands Services to do this.
More information about the Rural Resilience Program is available on the DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
