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Thursday 11 June 2026
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires are encouraged to check what support they may be eligible for to help with recovery.
Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey said recovery from fires can take months or years and support is still available.
‘Recovery doesn’t stop when the fires are out. For many farmers, the real work is just beginning,’ Mr Tuohey said.
‘Farmers have been getting on with the job and may not realise what support is available to ease some recovery pressures.
‘I encourage anyone affected to take a moment to see what’s available. You might be eligible for assistance that can make a real difference.’
Last days to secure your conference tickets
The finishing touches for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences are being made, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Ballarat.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet, it’s now or never.
Join us at the Goods Shed Ballarat on 23-24 June for 2 packed days of learning and networking.
The practical, producer-focussed program will deliver proven strategies and the latest research that you implement on your farm.
View the full program and purchase tickets below.
Last tickets available now at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1553856
Is your PIC up-to-date?
In an emergency such as fire, flood or disease outbreak, every minute counts. Your Property Identification Code (PIC) helps us to contact you quickly and trace animals accurately when needed.
Keeping your PIC details current is a simple step that helps protect your livestock, your property, and the wider livestock industry.
Remember to update your PIC when:
- your contact details change (phone, email or address)
- your livestock changes (type/species)
- your management changes (new manager or changing business ownership)
- your property details change (new land or you have downsized your landholdings)
Do your part to help keep Victoria’s livestock industry safe.
Drone spraying in Agricultural Chemical Control Areas
Spraying by drone in an Agricultural Chemical Control Area (ACCA)?
Extra rules apply.
There are 9 ACCAs in Victoria, established to protect high-value and herbicide-sensitive crops, with restrictions on how and when certain chemicals can be used.
The standard requirements for spraying via remotely piloted aircraft still apply, but check these extra steps:
- check if the land is inside an ACCA
- check for any restriction dates
- check the chemical label and approved spray methods.
After doing these checks and confirming you need an ACCA permit, make sure you apply at least 4 weeks before you plan to spray.
Guide how we care for Victorian waterways
Picture: The Sale Swing Bridge at the junction of the Thomson and Latrobe Rivers
Consultation has opened for the new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, which guides how we will sustain Victoria’s waterways, while balancing the many ways we use and value them.
Waterways are the lifeblood of communities, supporting our health, wellbeing and productivity, as well as providing critical habitat for Victoria’s native wildlife and plants.
This will be the third iteration of the 10-year waterway management strategy and will build on more than 20 years of learnings and achievements in waterway and catchment management across Victoria.
Nominate a safety star for the WorkSafe Awards
Individuals and businesses championing health and safety improvements at work are encouraged to share their stories, with nominations now open for the 2027 WorkSafe Awards.
In its 37th year, the annual awards will shine a spotlight on efforts that reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers – celebrating the employers, workers and teams who have developed creative health and safety solutions, fostered a strong safety-first culture, and supported injured workers in their return-to-work journey.
Look Over the Farm Gate applications open now
Picture:Look Over the Farm Gate grants can be used to run activities like this yoga session
Look Over the Farm Gate grants are now open for new applications!
Support from community is an important part of getting back on track for farmers and farming families in drought and bushfire recovery.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
Look Over the Farm Gate is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Find out more on the National Centre for Farmer Health website
Don't forget to nominate - closing 16 June
Nominate a biosecurity champion for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
With 9 categories, the awards recognise significant biosecurity contributions across industry, science, community, education and more.
If you know someone whose leadership, collaboration or innovation is enhancing Australia’s biosecurity, consider nominating them.
Act now as nominations close 5 pm, Tuesday 16 June.
Drought Hardship Loans
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought.
The loan provides up to $250,000 over 5 years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18%), with a 2-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.
It is available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state programs.
Australian Government drought support information can be found here: drought.gov.au
Wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with experienced financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line, providing practical strategies and helping you to tailor them to your specific circumstances, across Gippsland.
Wellbeing counsellors can visit you at your property or talk over the phone to assist with:
✔ managing stress
✔ building resilience for tough times
✔ balancing work and life with practical tools
✔ getting support for big decisions and life changes
To speak to a Wellbeing Counsellor call 1300 045 747.
Find out more at: www.nexsolutions.org.au
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Succession planning - Gembrook
Date and time: Friday 12 June, 9:45 am - 1 pm
Location: 1 Beenak East Road, Gembrook
Cost: free. Tea, coffee and a light meal provided.
'It's all OK until it's not.'
A free informative workshop on succession planning designed to give you clarity and confidence. Learn how a facilitated approach can protect both your farm and your family's future.
Topics
- Paths to consider.
- Why succession planning matters.
- How to start the journey.
- Retirement and transition.
- What does a plan look like?
- Practical takeaways.
Who should attend
- Farm owners thinking about the future.
- Farming families planning a transition.
- Next-generation farmers.
- Parents starting succession conversations.
- Siblings or partners in the business.
- Anyone wanting clarity around their farm’s future.
Delivered by Karen Jones and Marshall Scott from NEX Business Farming Wellness with support from Agriculture Victoria's Drought Support Program at no cost to participants.
Be work ready - jobs on farms
When: Friday 19 June, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Heyfield Community Resource Centre 5 George Street, Heyfield
Looking to start a rewarding career in agriculture? With strong industry connections, farm visits and support to make the first steps into employment, this course will make you better prepared to secure real job opportunities in your community.
This course runs over 5 sessions: Wednesday 17 June, Thursday 18 June, Friday 19 June.
Cost is $20.
Perennial multi-species pasture demo
When: Tuesday 23 June, 10 am – 1:30 pm
Where: 450 Cardinia Road, Officer
Simon and Michelle Beard from ‘Meat me at the Gate’ will show their demonstration site where they are trialling 2 different practises to establish perennial multi-species pastures on their beef farm.
Jade Killoran is an independent multi-species cover crop consultant and researcher, working with Victorian farmers through her consultancy, Healthy Farming Systems. She helps farmers trial, adopt and manage multi-species crops on-farm.
Jade will talk about the role of multi-species pastures to:
- build soil resilience
- extend growing seasons
- provide opportunities to increase quality dry matter production in a beef breeding and fattening operation
All farmers are welcome.
Catch up with other farmers, see a great farm and have a yummy meal together.
Lunch is provided, so please RSVP by Sunday 21 June.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
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