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23 November, 2009

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Drought ... all about

Drought affects everyone, but people in rural areas are often more directly affected. When the family farm is lost due to drought, it can be stressful and traumatic for the whole family. It’s important to seek help and not try to copy alone.

Important contacts

Drought Assistance Hotline Tel. 13 23 16
Drought Information Line Tel. 136 186
Rural Financial Counseling Service Tel. 1800 686 175
Social and Emotional Counseling Tel. 13 23 16

Managing your water

Rainwater and grey water are good ways to manage during a drought but you need to be careful when you store water.

Difficult times

Drought can cause a family crisis; this can cause conflict and anger, ask for help and learn to cope with stress.

Looking after yourself

Worry and anxiety caused by the effects of drought can be traumatic, try to look after yourself and those around you.

Stress

Drought creates a huge amount of stress in rural communities, try to share your feelings and find ways to cope.

Health concerns

Tiredness, sleeping problems and heat related illness can all result from living through drought conditons.

Quiz

Stress management - quiz

More information
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Rural Financial Counseling Service.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Social and Emotional Counseling.
Drought Assistance Guide.
Centrelink. Australian Government Drought Assistance.
Centrelink. Coping with the social impact of drought.
Department of Primary Industries. Drought information for Victoria.
Melbourne Water. Living with Drought.
Commonwealth of Australia, Bureau of Meteorology. 2007. Living with Drought.

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Better Health Channel

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Last updated: September 2009

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