One thing that i have noticed about drought, and seems to be a recurring theme in the couple of places we've visited so far, is government funding seems to be pouring out of the metropolitan coffers and into regional areas. Community programs, from mental health counselling, to coffee groups, exercise forums, leadership programs are being established right across the regional areas to counter the "soft side" - excuse the expression - or perhaps the non scientific or agronomic impact of long term drought.
As a result, the communities here in the Wimmera Mallee region seems so incredibily strong and supportive in comparison to many towns in western australia that haven't had to deal with the same financial hardship. A silver lining to a very dark cloud. Be interesting to see if the government funding is so forthcoming now that it has rained, and everything is looking so spectacular here, and alternatively, if our state government is willing to allocate more funding into social and community programs if our drought continues longer than just 2010.
some of the ideas we heard today, through Ellen White project officer for the Rural Women Leading Change Program were amazing, and if funding were available, i can see would be incredibly valuable in developing sustainable rural communities, particularly utilising the often unrecognised skills and attributes of the women in rural areas, even in times of NON drought.
something to work on when we return!
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