By Dominique Tassell
Funds are available through Lifeline Darling Downs for drought affected communities across South West Queensland.
Residents who reside or work in the shires of the Southern Downs as well as Paroo, Balonne, Maranoa, Murweh, Lockyer Valley, and Toowoomba may be eligible for financial support.
The grants are open to individuals or families who have been impacted by the drought and who require assistance with the cost of living pressures.
Also included under the program are non-farming small business operators such as tradesmen and retail operators
This is as they “rely on regional economies and the agriculture that underpins these economies to earn an income“.
School related items can also be applied for, with entities such as schools and Parent & Citizen Associations encouraged to inquire.
Each individual, family, business or entity may only apply for funding once.
Things that can be funded include outstanding bills, school uniforms, stationery or text books, replacement tuckshop equipment, and school breakfast programs.
“We encourage members of the eligible communities who are experiencing financial hardship to complete an application form,“ Chief Operating Officer Human Services, Rachelle Patterson said.
“The available grants range from $1000 for an individual to $2000 for a family, small business or entity.”
There will be three rounds of funding held per quarter commencing in the last quarter of the 2020 calendar year.
Applications will be eligible for consideration during each month for the quarter they have been submitted.
Applicants will be advised within 14 working days of the end of the month if they were successful and within 14 working days of the end of the quarter if they were unsuccessful.
This means that applicants may not hear back about their application for three months.
If successful, the money will be deposited directly into the applicant’s nominated account within 14 working days of the end of the month.
To apply for the Community Drought Support Grants please visit bit.ly/3h9fOyW
The Community Drought Support Grants program is funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disabilities Services.
Lifeline Darling Downs & SWQ Ltd (LDDSWQL) is a community-based organisation providing an array of crisis support and community services. For more information on services or to support Lifeline Darling Downs with this and other life changing programs visit www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au
