- Published:
- Thursday 21 November 2024
The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is moving into a brand-new premises to continue its nation leading efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers and their communities.
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michaela Settle today representing Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence to officially opened the new premises which marks a significant milestone in the growth of the Centre since its establishment in 2009.
Located in Hamilton, the new site sits within the local agriculture community and reinforces its role as a vital resource for the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers, farm workers and their families.
As the south west continues to experience drought conditions, Agriculture Victoria has been working with the NCFH to support farmers, their families and their communities.
As part of the Allan Labor Government’s $13.53 million drought support package, $1.43 million is being directed towards farmer wellbeing, technical decision-making advice and a dedicated Regional Drought Coordinator to ensure support is reaching those who need it.
The package is also providing farmers with access to free one-on-one advice from specialist farm advisors to take stock and discuss the best way forward for their business in the current season.
More than $12 million in On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grants is also available for farmers to make upgrades to equip their businesses to better withstand the current drought and future dry seasonal conditions.
The Government is proud of its long-term partnership with National Centre for Farmer Health. Alongside a contribution of $900,000 in the Victorian Budget 2024/25, a further $100,000 grant is supporting the Shifting Gears program which will deliver important safety resources to the next generation of farmers.
To learn more about the National Centre for Farmer Health visit, farmerhealth.org.au.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought impacted farmers, or to access the Government’s one-to-one drought planning sessions visit, agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“Victoria is incredibly proud to have a such an important and highly regarded service located in Hamilton, the incredible work you do supports our farmers, their families and communities when they need it most.”
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary Michaela Settle
“Congratulations to the NCFH team who continue to work tirelessly to improve the health of our farmers and their communities, I encourage farmers experiencing the impacts of drought to use the NCFH and the other services being delivered as part of the Drought Support Package.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“Both the breadth and depth of the health support, projects and initiatives that NCFH is involved in continues to grow in line with the needs of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to putting food on our tables.”