Sixteen organisations across the state will share in a record $1 million in grants to deliver community-based projects that will support Queenslanders affected by drought.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the grants were part of the Government’s commitment to support people living in regional Queensland.
“Parts of the state are still crippled by drought – a drought that has now continued in some areas for seven years,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We know this sort of adversity has had a devastating emotional and mental toll on people living in those areas, and we want to help.
“The successful organisations have some great ideas for projects and activities that build resilience, raise awareness of mental health issues, bring people together, break down stigma, and encourage people to seek help if needed.
“These organisations are on the ground, seeing the effects of the drought on mental health, which is why they are best placed to establish initiatives that support people at a local level.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said this year the government had invested more than ever before in the program.
“Each year, the grants program provides around $600,000 to community organisations that have local ideas to boost the mental health of those affected by drought,” he said.
“This year, we’ve added an additional $400,000 to the pot, through our $2 million drought package announced last August.
“This means we can support more people across the state.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the grants were an important support for Queensland farmers, some of who were enduring a seventh straight year of drought.
“Farmers feel the weight of supporting their families, their workers and the communities they work in and years of drought can wear down even the strongest of them,” Mr Furner said.
“It has never been more important to support our farmers, and this is another important way the Palaszczuk Government is doing just that.”
The Tackling Regional Adversity through Integrated Care (TRAIC) Grants Program is in its 4th year and has provided funding for 54 grants since its establishment.
