Drought Counselling - VIC

Relationships Australia (Victoria) is offering a free counselling service to people who have been affected in some way by drought. Counselling is available at:

• 54 Wyndham Street, Shepparton, phone: 03 5820 7444
• 1/42 Kay Street, Traralgon, phone: 03 5174 1100

Additionally, our Telephone Counselling Service can be accessed on FREE CALL 1800-817-569.

Appointments do need to be made to use either of these services, but there is unlikely to be a long wait for a suitable appointment time. Anyone who wishes to access either of these services should explain to the receptionist that they have been affected by the drought and wish to use the free service. No detailed explanation will be asked for. 

Connecting with rural communities

Relationships Australia has had previous experience in connecting with rural communities through school-based programs and community events. This we will continue to do. We know that one of the effects of disasters such as the drought is that people can, for various reasons start to lose touch with one another and with their community. So our school art programs, family evenings and other events are intended to do a little bit to bring people together. After all, most of us, in hard times, get our support from family, friends and community.

While Relationships Australia is not able to assist people with financial and farming issues, we have experience and expertise in matters relating to families, children, stress, family violence, decision making, problem solving, communication, marital problems and other personal issues. We will be looking for opportunities to give people information that could assist them to deal with some of the challenges they are facing at what continues to be a difficult time.