The Common Ground Project in Freshwater Creek will receive $20,000 from the Commonwealth’s Future Drought Fund which aims to boost social drought resilience and mental health.

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the $20,000 grant was just one example of how the Albanese Government was helping communities prepare for dry conditions.

“The Small Network Grants have an emphasis on managing the mental health of the whole community as they deal with the economic downturns and the subsequent mental strain of managing droughts,” Ms Coker said.

“This complements the drought preparedness work the Albanese Government is doing through the Future Drought Fund to make available $100 million each year for drought and climate related resilience initiatives, including on-farm sustainability.” 

Round 1 of the Small Network grants, funded through the FDF’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, will support twenty-nine projects to host events, training, networks and courses or community infrastructure, to make it easier for communities to manage drought conditions.

The Small Network Grants is part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative and is being delivered with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Round 2 of the Small Network Grants is currently open for applications and will also look to support projects that assist in managing mental health in regional communities.