June 3rd, 2025‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program

Victoria’s ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program will be available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress. 

In response to deteriorating seasonal conditions across the state, more LGAs will be eligible for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program. 

This program which has already supported more than 1,500 farmers in south west Victoria, will continue for the existing 11 LGAs across south west Victoria and be expanded to all West Wimmera, Horsham Rural City, Northern Grampians, Hepburn, Moorabool, Ballarat, Towong, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Casey, South Gippsland, and French Island. 

There will be continued support for the Regional Drought Coordinator role and additional funding will also support small businesses in south west Victoria through the appointment of a Small Business Financial Counsellor.  

The Government is also extending its partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health by investing $900,000 to continue their important work in supporting regional communities. 

These escalated supports build on programs that are always available to Victorian farm businesses across the state. These include the Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance and low interest loans available through the Regional Investment Corporation.  

Agriculture Victoria will continue to monitor conditions and ensure support is given to farmers who need it most. 

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.