Residents in Far Western NSW are known for their resourcefulness and resilience but a unique set of challenges can make life tough. Contact Incorporated is making a real difference for families across the region, helping them feel more connected and equipped to face future droughts.
Geographic isolation, limited access to services, higher suicide rates and socioeconomic disadvantage all compound the impacts of drought. Many children study via distance education and miss out on playing with peers, joining holiday activities or exploring hobbies in a group setting. Parents and carers also often struggle to access child and family support services, while ongoing stress, social isolation and poor health outcomes increase the pressure. Research has shown that children in these communities have shouldered adult responsibilities during past droughts, taking on extra farm work alongside school, which has left many feeling anxious and disconnected.
With a $49,969 Small Network Grant, Contact Inc delivered a series of community gatherings and virtual sessions where children, parents, Elders and local service providers came together, often for the first time in years, to build networks that will reduce isolation and strengthen community resilience. The grant, which was supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, through the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, helped Contact Inc. work closely with communities to design events that reflected their priorities and needs.
“Community Link-Up Days” were hosted in Ivanhoe, Louth, Pooncarie and Tibooburra, timed with Royal Flying Doctor Service clinic days to maximise attendance. Families enjoyed activities for children, practical wellbeing sessions, informal time with service providers and the chance to simply connect with neighbours. Follow-up virtual events extended the reach, enabling people across the region to stay in touch and further develop self-support networks with advice from professionals and presentations about parenting, health and wellbeing. As some of the most vulnerable members of community, young parents and First Nations community members were actively engaged throughout the project, with Contact Inc drawing on trusted networks such as ICPA, Maara Ma and Local Aboriginal Land Councils. Joint activities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous families were designed to build interpersonal skills, encourage collaboration and challenge stereotypes – further strengthening community understanding.
The project also involved other offerings to community members, including professional talks, learning and wellbeing activities and opportunities for private, informal consultation with recommended local services, with grant funds supporting everything from project management to venue hire to engaging specialist consultants.
Contact Inc noted significant impact from the gatherings, describing it as ‘profound’. Families reported feeling less alone and more aware of the services available to them. Children had the chance to play and socialise with one another and build confidence in settings beyond their immediate family. Agencies gained valuable insights into the realities of life in remote communities, strengthening relationships that will support future collaboration. Community members spoke of renewed energy and optimism, while local groups benefited from fundraising opportunities tied to the events.
Perhaps most importantly, these gatherings laid the groundwork for stronger, lasting networks – helping families, communities and service providers alike to be better connected and more resilient when the next drought comes.
This project builds on an earlier grant funded through the tackling Tough Times Together program. Listen to a podcast with Sue from Contact Inc and Lesley from RFDS.