The North Central Catchment Management Authority wants to hear from irrigated dairy, cropping, horticulture farmers in the Loddon, Campaspe and Gannawarra shires and the Rural City of Swan Hill impacted by the current drought and interested in off-farm work.

Working part or full-time, a minimum of two days per week for no less than two months, you will be paid $30 per hour (plus super) to work on environmental public good projects such as weed eradication, fencing, revegetation, or infrastructure maintenance in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID).

Colin and Bev Domasche (pictured tree planting at Lake Tutchewop in 2016) are taking part in the 2020 program and have participated in the past.

Bev says, “financially it’s a really good help and mentally it’s also good for both of us because with the drought we have put in some hard years.

Colin says, “it is good mentally having to get up each morning and having a reason to go out.

The program is also good because it is not only helping us but it’s helping the small communities in the region.” The program gives farmers and farm workers the flexibility to keep farming. It is a great opportunity to do something positive, earn an income, and join a team for social support and interaction.

“Just mixing with other people, makes a big difference. We’re a lot happier working in the program. Our daughter, who lives close, has noticed a difference; that the pressures have lifted a little bit and that we are happier in the workplace,” Colin said. The program also provides training and skill development opportunities for farmers transitioning from one enterprise to another.

The Program will operate up to June 2020, pending funding availability.

For more information contact Jodi or Kristy at Chandler MacLeod on 03 5825 6000