Our hearts go out to all those that have been affected by the flooding events that have recently impacted many regions and communities across Australia. Flooding has affected many of key agricultural regions, and this will no doubt have a ripple effect on our food system and food supply. 

It’s not just the recent rains that have affected farmers. The BOM has stated that climate change is increasing ‘high intensity short duration rainfall events’ which are associated with extreme flooding. Farmers have been feeling the effects of this for months now, with many already experiencing high levels of crop loss or having to sell off livestock early. Glenbernie Orchard in Darkes Forest NSW has received record rainfalls this year, and has described it as having a“…worse impact on their business than COVID”.

Resources for those affected by the floods

The following support has been made available to those affected by the floods. We will share any further information for supports as we are made aware:

• Financial Support: 
  • Grants of $1000 per adult and $400 per child are now available. Information on how to apply for these grants can be found on the service Australia website.
  • Small Business Immediate Flood Relief: a one-off grant up to $5000 to cover immediate business expenses for businesses located in affected Victorian local government areas.
• Rural Aid: Rural Aid offers free, confidential counseling to farmers and their families. They also provide critical support to farmers affected by natural disasters through financial and fodder assistance. Register with their service on their website, or by calling 1300 327 624.
• Lifeline: is available 24 hours a day by calling 13 11 14.

If you want to help

There are many organisations and enterprises doing amazing things that would benefit from volunteering and financial support, whether for immediate relief, or longer-term action towards climate resilience:

• Sikh Volunteers Australia – The Sikh food van continues to do a wonderful job as a first responder / community support. They are located in the Shepparton area, and have provided over 271,000 meals during COVID. You can make a donation to their efforts or find out about volunteering opportunities on their website.
• Shepparton Food Share – While currently closed, the Shepparton Food Share will play a vital role in the area’s recovery from the crisis. You can make a donation to them on their website.
• Somerset Farms – based on the banks of the Goulburn River in Seymour, Somerset Farm has been completely submerged by the flooding. You can make a donation to help Chloe and her team get back on their feet via their Go Fund Me page.
• The VACCHO Victorian Flood Appeal – All funds donated will be distributed in full to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria who have been impacted by the recent floods.
• Farmers for Climate Action are lobbying hard for Australia to adopt stronger, economy wide climate policies. Their work will help to ensure the resilience of Australia’s food system. You can show your support by joining them on their website.
• ORICoop Resilience and Recovery Fund has been active since November 2019 to support organic producers that are directly affected by the ongoing impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

Our friends over at Sustainable Table have also put together this Victorian Flood Relief 2022 guide that has additional links to fundraisers and organisations that you can support. 

Do you know of organisations or enterprises that have been affected by flooding across 2022 and need help?
Maybe they need an extra pair of hands on the farm or have a crowd funding campaign?

Let us know via email or get in touch with us via social media and we will help spread the word.