As South Australian livestock producers face ongoing challenges due to uncertain times, it's essential to access the right support. This page offers a range of resources to help you navigate financial, mental health, and government assistance options. Whether you're seeking guidance or need immediate help, explore the links here to connect with valuable tools and services that can provide the support you need during these tough times.
Life can sometimes be overwhelming. Times of isolation, lockdown, drought and other challenges can cause people to experience distress, including anxiety and depression. In times like these, it's important to know that you're not alone.
With a little help, you can employ tools and strategies to work through tough times and build stronger mental health and wellbeing – making you, your family and your business more resilient.
Here is a range of services available to help strengthen your mental wellbeing.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
- MensLine Phone and Online Counselling: 1300 789 978
- ifarmwell
- Rural Health Connect
- Headspace
- Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
- The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA)
- Regional Men's Health Initiative
- Relationships Australia
- Aussie Helpers
- The Ripple Effect
- Virtual Psychologist
- TIACS - This Is A Conversation Starter
PIRSA - Drought
PIRSA have developed a dry times website with key information and links to documents with a range of information on livestock and crop management options and strategies, tools, information, and advice that is available, support services, and key contacts.
DAFF - Drought, disaster and rural support
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have resources available.
Drought, disaster and rural support - DAFF
Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) Loans
Funded by the Australian Government, RIC offers low-interest loans to farm businesses to strengthen Australian agriculture and build thriving regional communities.
Regional Investment Corporation - Australian Government (ric.gov.au)
Rural Aid Australia
Rural Aid offers essential services to support farmers, including financial assistance, mental health and wellbeing programs, water and fodder supplies, and volunteer support through community initiatives. Their holistic approach helps farmers and rural communities thrive during challenging times.
Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities
FaB Mentors
The PIRSA led FaBS program runs state wide, with mentors located in every region. Find the FaBS mentor in your area and get help living with drought.
Family and Business Mentors (pir.sa.gov.au)
SA Drought Hub - Livestock and Fodder Management
The resources through the SA Drought Hub are of relevance to SA farmers and regional communities. They assist in decision making and potential practice change to build drought preparedness and resilience.
Livestock and fodder management - SA Drought Hub
Rural Business Support
Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural and regional South Australia and the Northern Territory.
There is a range of support services at both federal and state/territory levels. The links are:
Information on livestock management in dry seasonal conditions: