Funding for communities to get together in tough times
16 January 2026
In response to the bushfires and ongoing drought, a new round of applications for the Look Over the Farm Gate community events program opens today.
The Look Over the Farm Gate program offers grants of up to $5,000 for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing of farmers and farming communities.
Since June 2025, funding has been provided to over 160 events, with more than 130 Look Over the Farm Gate-supported events held.
The program is part of the Victorian Government’s drought support package of $146.5 million and is administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Acting Director Agriculture Services Aimee McCutcheon said the program helps local organisations to deliver events for their community who are doing it tough and has been extremely popular across the state.
‘We have seen a range of fantastic events coming through, from BBQs to film screenings, guest speakers, to sporting activities – all focused on meeting the needs of local communities,’ Mrs McCutcheon said.
Events held in 2025 included:
- In Kyabram Blooming in the Dry was attended by 50 farming women. Event organiser Renee Pichler said this event was designed for those who are often carrying the invisible load of farm stress and household management. Attendees went away with new connections, support service information and a fresh posy.
- A Farmers-Q event was held in Cavendish for 140 people. Event organiser Wayne Vearing said, ‘After a successful event in 2024, we wanted to keep the momentum going with a BBQ for the whole community to take a break and talk to a mate. Money raised from donated items is going back into the local community.’
Applications for this new round of Look Over the Farm Gate funding will remain open until 20 May 2026 or until funding has been fully allocated, whichever comes first. All funded activities must be completed before 30 June 2026.
Find out more and apply via the National Centre for Farmer Heath website.
Find more information about available drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
For more information on bushfire support, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or 136 186.
Media contact: Makalya Rimington
Phone: 0473 914 662