The South Australian Country Women’s Association (CWA) deserves a big tick for their efforts in providing practical and financial assistance to drought affected farmers and families, Shadow Health Minister Vickie Chapman said today.
“The CWA has been active in supporting its rural community in times of hardship for over 100 years and as is always the case, it is again at the frontline in providing drought assistance,” Ms Chapman said.
“The CWA Emergency Family and Community Grants Program is now in full swing assisting farmers and their families through this relentless drought.
“Members of the CWA are busy fundraising and many are putting their own money into the fund which is used to provide immediate household needs such as food, clothing, fuel, telephone and medical costs.
“In recognition of the unprecedented severity and length of the current drought, the Commonwealth Government has announced an additional $8 million over the next two years in drought relief funds to the various states CWA branches. This is in addition to the $1m provided to the CWA network in 2002 and $2m in 2005.
“The South Australian CWA is continuing its role in distributing our state’s share of the Commonwealth relief money by providing food vouchers to needy families through the local IGA network.
“I know Liberal Members, who represent the majority of SA country seats, are especially appreciative of the CWA’s timely response to the current drought conditions.
“It would be great if the State Government came on board and made funds available to the CWA’s drought relief program. Certainly, if the government is seeking to assist families through these exceptional drought conditions there is obviously a very effective structure already in place to distribute funds to those who need it most.”
More information on the CWA Emergency Family and Community Grants Program can be accessed on their website http://homepages.picknowl.com.au/sacwa/index.html
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