Counselling, Support Services, Resources & Referral for People in Drought Affected Communities

The Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities Initiative (the Initiative) funded by the Department of Health and Ageing is providing $10.9 million over two years (2007-2009) to build the capacity of rural and remote drought affected communities to respond to the psychological impact of drought. The majority of the funding has been allocated to rural and remote Divisions of General Practice across Australia including Divisions in your area.

The key objectives of the initiative are to:
• Provide community outreach and crisis counselling for distressed individuals and communities in drought affected rural and remote areas
• Raise community awareness; and
• Provide education and training to enable health workers and community leaders to recognise and respond to the early warnings of emotional stress.

The services available through your local Drought Support Officer are:

• Counselling and Support Services
•  Beef Extension & Drought Officers 
• Local Rural Financial Counsellors 
• Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority Drought Officers 
• Information on Centrelink payments and services 
• Maintaining land condition
• Managing stock and crops in dry times
  
  For information about local services available to you:
  Drought Support Program Officer - Leah
  Ph:         07 4921 7777 
• Fax:       07 4927 2977
  ltickner@capdivgp.com

Qld Rural Adjustment Authority
Client Liaison Office
Ph:     07 4936 1872
Fax:   07 3032 0390
Freecall 1800 623 946
Mobile: 0417 775 245
brendan.hamilton@qraa.qld.gov.au
www.qraa.qld.gov.au

Department of Primary Industries
Beef Extension & Drought Officer
Ph:  07 49360211
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au

Department of Primary Industries
Rural Financial Counsellor
Ph:  07 4992 9133
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au

Centrelink Drought Assistance Line
(including social workers)
Ph:  13 2316

Beyondblue - The National Depression Initiative
www.beyondblue.org.au
Ph:  1300 22 4636

Lifeline
www.lifeline.org.au
ph:  13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service
(National)  Ph:  1300 659 467
(Up to six 50-minute telephone counselling sessions for people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal or bereaved by suicide. 7 days a week 10am - 8:30pm.)

You may want to start some self help techniques using the internet cognitive behaviour therapy website, to prevent depression from the comfort of your own home: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au

Black Dog Institute
www.blackdoginstitute

SANE
www.sane.org

To view more Information about the program, CLICK HERE