Orbost stands by its farmers
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Orbost stands by its farmers

The Orbost community is standing by its drought-stricken farmers, on Saturday launching a campaign aimed specifically at providing further support for families in need.
 
Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull said the Stand By Your Farmer Campaign was a great initiative driven by the community.
 
“As many are aware, the drought is really taking a stranglehold on farmers right across eastern Victoria, and particularly those here in Orbost and its surrounds,” Mr Bull said.
 
“The impact of a serious drought like this are far-reaching. When there is less money going around, various sections of the community like small businesses begin to feel the effects, which is why it was pleasing to see the community come together on Saturday.”
 
Aims of Stand By Your Farmer include:
 
• Promoting mental health and wellbeing of farmers and families;
• Supporting local businesses, which are also impacted;
• Working in partnership with community organisations to raise the awareness of support available for mental health and wellbeing;
• Having the voices of local farmers heard; and
• Promoting support for farming families through fundraising.
 
“While there are financial supports available from various local organisations and Federal and State Governments, often community-minded events like these are the best therapy for our farmers, who are really feeling the pinch of the drought, as they have been over the past two years,” Mr Bull said.
 
“Full credit to the working group, which included Rotary members, local farmers, Far East Victoria Landcare, Orbost Regional Health and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for organising.
 
“I understand the working group has been successful in obtaining some grant funding to support farmers and will hold a number of activities for farming families and the wider community in the near future.”
 
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull has his blood pressure checked at Saturday’s Stand By Your Farmer Campaign launch in Orbost.
 
Monday, November 12, 2018