Australian Government Drought Assistance

The Australian Government is supporting drought affected farmers and rural communities through income support, interest rate relief and free personal and financial counselling. This page from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry includes links to information on drought assistance measures available from the Australian, State and Territory governments and areas eligible for full and interim exceptional circumstances assistance.

www.daff.gov.au

Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)

The Rural Financial Counselling Program helps primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses who are suffering financial hardship and who have no alternative sources of impartial support.

www.daff.gov.au

Australian Government Regional Information Service (AGRIS)

Freecall 1800 026 222. The Australian Government Regional Information Service can help you find information about a comprehensive range of Australian Government programs, agencies and services for people living in rural, regional and remote Australia.

www.infrastructure.gov.au

Commonwealth Scholarships Programme

The Commonwealth Scholarships Programme was introduced to assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas and Indigenous students, who are Australian citizens or holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas, with costs associated with higher education.

www.dest.gov.au

Drought Assistance

This Department of Human Services page links to information on small business support, the extension of the interest rate subsidy, Drought Force, more rural financial and personal counselling, CWA emergency aid fund, professional advice and planning grants for farmers and drought assistance buses.

www.humanservices.gov.au

FarmBis

The AAA FarmBis program provides financial assistance to primary producers and rural land managers to undertake business and natural resource management training and education activities. This site provides links to each state to obtain further information.

www.farmbis.gov.au

Regional (Regional Australia)

This index page links to the regional development information of the Department for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Includes links to information on Regional Partnerships, Regional & Rural Development, Regional Communities, Indigenous Communities, Funding Programs, Councils & Advisory Bodies, Regional Business Development Analysis and Information & Services.

www.infrastructure.gov.au

Regional Entry Point

The Regional Entry Point is an Australian Government portal providing links to programmes and services relevant to regional, rural and remote Australians. Features of the site include a directory of government programmes; a resource centre containing government news, discussion groups and a regional events calendar; and links to non-government web sites.

www.regionalaustralia.gov.au