Media Release

FRRR and the Gardiner Foundation ‘Caring for Dairy’

11 December 2002

Two of Australia’s young and innovative Foundations FRRR – The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and the Gardiner Foundation have teamed up to provide $100,000 assistance to dairying communities in dry times across Victoria.

Victorian Minister for Agriculture Mr Bob Cameron said that ‘This assistance is welcome recognition of the important role communities play in supporting Victoria’s dairy industry. It will provide valuable assistance to community groups looking to support their communities in tough times.’

With Northern Victoria being the largest dairying region in Australia housing some 2,798 dairy farms and producing over 3.0 billion litres of milk the impacts of this drought are nothing short of a natural disaster in dairying regions.

The Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC, Chairman of the FRRR Board said that ‘One of FRRR’s major strengths was its ability to lead the way with innovative partnerships. To do this we work with others who are inspiring communities and who have the ability to drive projects that are wanted and needed by their communities. Our role is to believe in these communities and find tangible ways of providing support so we are very pleased to be in a position to offer this assistance program funded by the Gardiner Foundation.’

In parts of Northern Victoria, where 30% of cows have left dairy farms (most for slaughter) and production way down, many dairy farmers believe that they have never experienced such widespread impact from a drought before.

President of the United Dairy farmers of Victoria (UDV) Mr Peter Owen said that ‘Farming families are under enormous amounts of stress. The support of FRRR and the Gardiner Foundation will make a tangible impact on the human and social capital of these dairying families and communities. We will continue looking at all possible options to sustain and protect the natural and financial capital of the industry throughout this natural disaster.’

Eligible community organisations can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for rural and remote Victorian communities that have been impacted upon by drought conditions.

Grant seeker enquiries for Assisting Victorian Dairying Communities in Times of Drought, A Program for Small Communities in Victoria can be made to Natalie Elliott, Marketing Manager at FRRR on 1800 170 020 or email info@frrr.org.au