Australian government drought assistance

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry page which includes links to information on drought assistance measures available and the areas eligible for full and interim exceptional circumstances assistance.

http://www.daff.gov.au/droughtassist

Regional Entry Point

The Regional Entry Point provides information and links to Australian Government programs and services relevant to people living in regional, rural and remote Australia. The primary objective of this regional portal is to make accessing programs and services easier.

http://www.regionalaustralia.gov.au/

Australian government drought assistance (Centrelink)

Centrelink page provides links for income assistance for drought-affected communities in the form of Interim Income Support, Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments, and Drought Force.

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/drought_assist.htm

Australian Government Regional Information Service

The Australian Government Regional Information Service (AGRIS) can help you find information about a range of Australian Government programs, agencies and services for people living in rural, regional and remote Australia.

http://australia.gov.au/service/australian-government-regional-information-service

Commonwealth scholarships

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

http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Programs/StudentSupport/CommonwealthScholarships/Pages/Home.aspx

Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport

The Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport is responsible for regional Australia policy and co-ordination; the delivery of regional and rural specific services; regional development; matters relating to local government; the administration of Australian territories; arts and sport.

http://www.regional.gov.au/

Myregion

myregion is designed to provide information based on Australia’s 55 Regional Development Australia regions and the three external territories of Christmas Island, Norfolk Island and the Cocos Keeling Islands.It provides opportunities for people to hold discussions within their communities and with all levels of government that help inform regional policies and national solutions.

http://myregion.gov.au/

Rural and remote locations

If you live in a rural or regional part of Australia, there is a range of options available to make it easier to access government services, payments and support.

http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/rural-and-remote-locations#Accessingservicesinaruralorregionallocation

Rural Financial Counselling Service

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.

http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/rfcs