Drought Information
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Don't carry the burden alone
Women so often carry the emotional wellbeing of the family and they know only too well the impact the drought is having on their lives and their loved ones.
If you are a woman living in drought-affected Victoria, whether on a farm or in town, the Queen Victoria Women's Centre and WIRE - Women's Information want you to know that you don't have to carry this burden alone.
When things get tough
We hear how hard it is for you to say no when the kids need money for school, new clothes or for going out. And how you are working harder inside and outside the home to try and provide all the opportunities you dreamed your kids would have.
We hear how you've had to let go of other dreams as your nest egg is eaten up. Even the garden might have been sacrificed and you miss the solace and pleasure it used to bring.
We hear your anxiety as you watch your partner becoming more withdrawn or short tempered, losing it more often with you and the kids.
All this pressure can lead to depression, substance abuse, violence, emotional and financial abuse, relationship breakdown, increased risk of farm accidents and, in some cases, suicide.
Talk things through
We want you to know you're not alone. At a time like this it is important to reach out and talk with someone about the types of help you might need:
- Referral services
- Social support
- Emotional support
- Financial counselling
- Financial support
- Education and training for new careers
- Job hunting assistance
- House hunting assistance
- Assistance for children relocating schools
That is why the Queen Victoria Women's Centre and WIRE have put together this directory of just some of the Services that might be of help to you.
For full information about Services in your area call WIRE on 1300 134 130 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, for the cost of a local call from anywhere in the state.
Please don't try and carry this burden alone. By calling WIRE you can talk things through confidentially with a sensitive woman who can give you support, information and referrals to other people who can help.
STATEWIDE SERVICES
For more information about these and other services in your area call WIRE 1300 134 130
Note: Except from mobile phones, numbers that begin with '1800' are free. Numbers that begin with '1300' or '13' are 25c from anywhere in the state.BH = 'business hours', Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. AH = 'after hours' or outside of business hours.
WOMEN'S SERVICES
WIRE - Women's Information
Free and confidential support, information and referrals for women across Victoria for just about anything, including family life and relationships, domestic violence, health and wellbeing, financial security, and legal issues.
Phone 1300 134 130 BH
Website www.wire.org.au
Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service
Statewide 24 hour confidential crisis response Service for women, and women with children, experiencing domestic violence. Information on domestic violence support services, legal rights, accommodation options, phone counselling, advocacy, and referral to domestic violence outreach services, women's refuges and other safe accommodation.
Phone 1800 015 188
24 hour crisis line
HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Connectingcare.com
Links to health and community service providers throughout Victoria. Electronic referral via email.
Website www.connectingcare.com
Rural Health Services
This site provides information on rural health services, community and workforce issues and highlights major projects undertaken by the government.
Website www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/index.htm
Royal Women's Hospital - Women's Health Information Centre
Phone aid by women's health nurses on a wide range of women's health issues for women of all ages and cultural backgrounds. They also run Well Women's Health Clinics around the state where women can have check-ups and tests and talk to the nurses. These are free for all women.
Phone 1800 442 007 BH
Website wellwomens.rwh.org.au
DepressioNet
Online information, help and support for Australians living with depression, as well as their families and friends. Find a health professional, support group or event in your area, or chat online with others who have or know someone who has depression.
Website www.depressionet.com.au
INDIGENOUS SERVICES
Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service
Legal aid, counselling, information and referral for Indigenous women and children who are victims/survivors of family violence and sexual assault.
Phone 1800 105 303
Website www.fvpls.org
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service - Shepparton, Swan Hill, Moe and Bairnsdale
Legal aid for Indigenous people in civil, family and criminal issues.
Phone 1800 064 865 - 24 hour
PHONE COUNSELLING SERVICES
St Vincent De Paul
Help for rural communities in crisis, including furniture, food and clothing.
Phone 1300 305 330
Welfare Line 10am -3pm weekdays
Website www.vinnies.org.au/
Lifeline
Phone counselling, information and referral.
Phone 13 11 14
24 hour
Website www.wesley.org.au/ programs/lifeline.html
Suicide help line
Phone counselling helping suicidal people to manage the crisis in ways that relieve distress, strengthen short-term coping and promote safety. Also counselling for those bereaved by suicide or concerned about someone who is suicidal.
Phone 1300 651 251 - 24 hour
Kid's Helpline
Anonymous, confidential phone information and counselling for children between 5 and 18 years.
Phone 1800 551 800 - 24 hour
Website www.kidshelp.com.au
Parentline
Phone counselling, information and referral service for parents.
Phone 13 22 89 weekdays 8am - midnight weekends 10am - 10pm
Website www.parentline.vic.gov.au
Men's Referral Service (MRS)
A free, confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and referral service for men who have concerns about their behaviour in the home. MRS provides referrals to men's behaviour change, personal development and fathering groups, and to a wide range of other services.
Phone 1800 065 973
(Free call within Victoria)
Mon-Fri, 12 Midday - 9pm
Website www.mrs.org.au
Men's Line
National helpline for men. Offers professional and short-term counselling, direct phone linkage to services, relevant information about services and support programs, and practical support and life strategies for managing difficult situations.
Phone 1300 789 978 - 24 hour
Website www.menslineaus.org.au
Seniors Information Victoria
An information and advisory service for older people, their relatives, friends, and the wider community.
Phone 1300 135 090 BH
Website www.cota.org.au
Direct Line
Drug and alcohol phone counselling, information and referral service for people using drugs, their family and friends, as well as health and welfare professionals. Information on counselling, withdrawal services, pharmacotherapy services, needle and syringe exchange, self-help, peer support services, and services and support for rural or isolated communities.
Phone 1800 888 236 - 24 hour
Gambler's Help
Phone counselling and referral service for problem gamblers and anyone affected by their behaviour. Assistance in recognising the early warning signs of compulsive gambling disorders, support in accessing financial, legal and behavioural counselling services, and education.
Phone 1800 156 789 (this number will not appear on your bill)
Website www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au or www.gspot.org.au
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Rural Financial Counselling Services are free for those facing financial difficulties. Information, aid and practical support such as budget strategies, aid on income and concession entitlements, debt issues, averting legal penalties, and support in negotiating with creditors. For details of your nearest financial counselling service:
Phone 1800 686 175
Website www.daff.gov.au/financialcounselling
Country Women's Association of Victoria
Currently have federal funding to assist women in drought affected areas. They also provide scholarships, handicraft tuition and materials, The Residential Club offers cheap accomodation for members when visiting Melbourne.
Phone 9827 8971 BH
Residential Club
9824 0239
Address 3 Lansell Road
Toorak 3142
Website www.cwaofvic.asn.au
LEGAL SERVICES
Victoria Legal Aid
Legal aid over the phone or in person at regional offices. A specialised child support service assisting separated parents who have problems paying or obtaining child support. A duty lawyer service assists people at court who have no representation.
Phone 1800 677 402
Free call for rural callers Mon-Fri, 8.45am-5.15pm
Website www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Women's Legal Service
Free telephone legal aid gives women a clearer understanding of their legal issues and offers a range of possible solutions.
Phone 1800 13 33 02
Free call for rural callers Monday and Friday 10am-1pm
Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm-8.30pm,
Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Victorian Court Information and Welfare Network
A free service offering personal support, information and referrals for people attending court for criminal offences, intervention orders, sexual assault, coronial services, survivors of crime, and family court matters. Rural branches are located in Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland.
Phone 1800 681 614 BH
Website www.courtnetwork.com.au
Victim's Support Agency
Victims of Crime Helpline offers information, aid and referrals to help victims manage and recover from the effects of crime. Information on how to access the justice system (including the victims Register), referral to local and regional services which can provide practical assistance and support, and information on how to access counselling
Phone 1800 819 817 Country Helpline
Website www.justice.vic.gov.au/victimsofcrime
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Australian Government Regional Information Service
Information about Federal Government programs, agencies and services for people living in rural areas.
Phone 1800 026 222
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Information on assistance for farmers and communities, personal support and counselling, useful publications and links
Website http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/em_events/drought.htm
Department of Primary Industries
A range of information and aid for farmers in drought.
Phone 136 186
Website www.dpi.vic.gov.au
Australian Tax Office
Special arrangements such as more time to pay tax debts without interest charges, or payment by instalment without interest charges depending on personal circumstances.
Phone 13 11 42
Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
Website www.ato.gov.au
Centrelink
Financial assistance and counselling to people in communities that have been affected by the drought, and referral to local agencies that may be able to assist.
Phone 13 23 16 - Drought Assistance Hotline
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Website www.centrelink.gov.au
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES
Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres Inc
Find your local Neighbourhood and Community House. A wide variety of social, leisure and educational activities in a friendly, relaxed, and welcoming environment.
Phone 9654 1104 BH
Website www.anhlc.asn.au
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Local government
Certain Local Governments have been funded to provide community development to drought affected communities. To find out more information, contact your Local Council.
For a directory of Local Councils go to:
Website www.doi.vic.gov.au
Download this information as a pdf.
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