General News
24 August, 2026
Rotary backs farmers in drought
ROTARY clubs across the district have raised over $100,000 to provide drought relief for local farming families. More than 200 drought relief boxes have already been distributed through various sources helping connect farmers with practical support and important wellbeing resources.
District Chair of Rotary Australia World Community Service and a member of Rotary Hamilton Noel Howard said around $120,000 has been raised through the Western Victoria Drought Relief Fund and is being distributed to farming families and communities.
The boxes include information on accessing $500 support cards, an IGA gift cards sweets from Beaufort's Freddy Fernakerpans as well as health and wellbeing support available through the National Centre for Farmer Health and the Red Cross.
Each Rotary club across the region is also adding value to the boxes with practical and thoughtful items such as socks subsidised by Hip Pocket Workwear, and other locally sourced items.
This district-wide initiative is providing both practical assistance and encouragement to farming families as they continue to face the ongoing challenges of drought.
Rotary says this district-wide initiative is providing both practical assistance and encouragement to farming families as they continue to face the challenges of drought.