Funding has been awarded to six Far West community groups and service organisations through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund, in partnership with the NSW Government, as part of the implementation of the Far West Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP).

The successful projects align with at least one of the objectives of the RDRP: to build drought resilience economically, socially and/or environmentally.

In August, the programme was released, aiming to support community drought resilience through funding for community-focussed projects, events, initiatives and training. The programme supports events across Far West NSW, comprising Central Darling Shire Council, the City of Broken Hill and the Unincorporated Area of Far West NSW.

Funded Projects

The Tibooburra Sports Club Inc. received funding to support the delivery of the Tibooburra Gymkhana, Bikekhana and Rodeo event, providing a platform for people to come together and support each other.

The Broken Hill Branch Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS) will use their funding for the purchase and planting of new drought-tolerant shade trees at the Topar Sports Club.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW secured funding to support the presence of a counsellor as part of the delivery of three workshops focussed on enhancing financial and emotional skills to prepare for and recover from drought and other events. The workshops will be delivered in Tibooburra, Broken Hill and Wilcannia for up to 40 people in November 2025.

The Packsaddle Progress Association received funding for catering for the Packsaddle Community Melbourne Cup on November 4, a key event on the local social calendar.

Milparinka Sporting Clays/Field and Game Association was awarded funding to support the delivery of the 'Shoot, Socialise and Support' community event to bring people together during the dry season. The event will be held at the Milparinka Sporting Clays range on November 15.

The Pastoralists' Association of West Darling received catering support for the Pastoralist Forum and Dinner. This is an opportunity for NSW pastoralists to hear about drought advocacy from the Pastoralists' Association of West Darling and Western Local Land Services.

The programme is an example of both the NSW Government's and councils' ongoing commitments to support the Far West region's communities to prepare for drought.

Additional Far West RDRP implementation projects remain underway, including a Far West NSW water efficiencies guide, recreation space and community infrastructure needs assessments.

Further information on the Far West RDRP can be found at www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/far-west-rdr-plan.pdf