The MALLEE Matters

Leading local collaboration in Victoria's Mallee region to build drought preparedness and resilience through community-driven action.

Key objectives

Coordinate and support community-led drought preparedness activities to strengthen resilience across the Mallee region.

Facilitate effective collaboration among local organisations, partners, and stakeholders to maximise collective impact and enhance regional drought readiness.

About the project

The Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative’s Community Impact Program is a national initiative rolled out across Australia, aimed at enhancing drought preparedness, resilience, and adaptation strategies within rural and regional communities. As the Community Partner Lead Organisation (CPLO) for Victoria – Region 27 Mallee, our role is specifically focused on leading and coordinating localised efforts within the Mallee region to proactively address drought impacts and preparedness.

Through close collaboration with local not-for-profit organisations, community groups, government bodies, and stakeholders, we will deliver tailored community projects and capacity-building activities. Our initiatives are designed to enhance community infrastructure, build leadership skills, strengthen social connections, and empower community members with practical strategies for drought preparedness.

This initiative forms part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF). Funding provided through this partnership directly supports communities in building their capacity and resilience to manage future drought scenarios effectively.

  • Local Coordination and Collaboration: Engage and collaborate with community stakeholders and local organisations across the Mallee region to develop and implement effective drought preparedness initiatives.

  • Community Capacity Building: Deliver tailored workshops, training, and leadership programs that equip communities with essential skills and knowledge for drought preparedness and response.

  • Infrastructure and Resource Enhancement: Identify and facilitate improvements to local community infrastructure and resources, enhancing overall resilience and preparedness for drought conditions.

  • Communication and Awareness: Raise community awareness about drought risks, preparedness strategies, and available support through targeted and consistent communication activities.

  • Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Regularly monitor, assess, and evaluate project outcomes and community impact, using feedback to continually refine and strengthen drought resilience strategies.

Victoria: Region 27 Mallee Project Partners

First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation

Build depth of social connection and increase skills, knowledge and understanding of the risks posed by drought and climate change through land management training and mentorship of young First Nations people.

Rural Business and Community Limited

Increase economic diversification in an agriculture-dependent community through the establishment of a cooperative ‘shared shop’ for micro businesses in Donald.

Birchip Cropping Group Inc

Enable capacity building activities where young farmers have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural, and regional Australia through the growth of a Young Farmers Network.

Food Next Door Cooperative

Build the capacity of local people and communities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through irrigation management training for CALD communities.

Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria Wimmera South West Inc

Deliver capacity building activities where local people and communities have opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge to face the unique challenges caused by drought in remote, rural and regional Australia through the establishment of a small business resilience network targeted at new, young and Indigenous business owners.

Mallee-REEL-Culture – Youth Voices Building Resilient Communities

As part of the Mallee Matters project, young people across the Northern Mallee are stepping behind the camera to share real stories of life, work, and resilience in their communities. Through a vibrant series of short social media reels, this youth-led project highlights the power of connection, leadership, and grit in the face of challenges.

From personal struggles to collective strength, these videos reveal how Mallee communities pull together, adapt, and thrive. The project will culminate in a public screening—celebrating local youth and sparking stronger ties between community, services, and leaders.

Led by Mallee Sustainable Farming and funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this initiative empowers regional voices to shape a more resilient future.

Visit the Mallee REEL Culture page to discover more stories like this one.

This reel features Bev D’Arcy from Donald, Victoria, who’s part of a new “Shared Shop” initiative turning the historic Bassett Building into a hub for local micro-businesses. Supported by FRRR and the Future Drought Fund, the project boosts economic and social resilience by helping small-town makers share space, cut costs, and grow together.

Reels

Think Locally – Acting Globally; sharing partner experiences from the Community Impact Program

This reel highlights a mid project catch-up for region 27’s project partners at SuniTAFE SMART Farm in Mildura, Vic. The catch-up focused on the achievements and future potential of our Community Impact Program with each project partner presenting to the group.

The day was complemented with a group of international visitors joning us and sharing What resilience means to smallholder farmers in the Eastern-Gangetic Plains (India/Nepal/Bangladesh).

Proudly supported by

Growing Leaders in the Mallee: Emerging Leadership in Action

This reel celebrates the successful completion of the Emerging Leaders Program facilitated by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Held In June and July 2024 for Region 27, we brought together incredible young people from across the Mallee for the Emerging Leadership Program – part of our broader work supporting regional communities to prepare for future drought.

Over two powerful sessions, participants developed leadership, resilience, and communication skills – and left inspired to drive positive change in their communities.

Proudly supported by

Building Resilient Communities Together: Region 27 Mallee

In Region 27 Mallee, local organisations are leading the way, strengthening connections, growing local leadership, building business resilience, reviving land, and supporting young people – all with a shared vision for a drought-prepared future.

This reel celebrates that together, we’re: ✔ Growing skills and leadership ✔ Strengthening community networks ✔ Building capability to face future challenges

Proudly supported by

All project partners from Region 27 Mallee

Newsletters

Acknowledgments

Working together with farmers

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