Media Release | Drought-preparedness program equips EP communities

The Eyre Peninsula is better equipped to handle dry and challenging seasons, thanks to a regional multi-partner program that builds the drought preparedness capabilities of agriculture-dependent communities.

Over the past 18 months, AIR EP has worked closely with local and national organisations to deliver a range of projects designed to upskill community leaders, young farmers, rural women and students, to identify and act on their own community’s drought preparedness priorities at a grassroots level.

AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said the FRRR Community Impact Program had extensive reach, equipping farmers and community members in rural areas with the skills to support resilient and connected communities.

“Through the Community Impact Program and the involvement of our partner organisations, we’ve collaboratively delivered a support program that strengthens our local communities, builds their capabilities, creates new leaders and gives them real skills to better prepare for and withstand the challenges of drought,” Ms Scholz said.

Key projects delivered under the EP Community Impact Program included:

• AIR EP Young Farmer Groups (Rudall and Far West) delivering information sessions, site visits, workshops and social connection opportunities for farmers aged 18-35. (Remaining activities will run with the Far West Group between August-December 2025.)

• Women Together Learning (WoTL) Regenerate Rural Women and Better Connected Communities programs, aimed at empowering rural women and sharing skills to build local drought preparedness.

• Cleve Area School Future Farmers – creating new, high school relevant teaching resources focused on managing dry times and building drought resilience in the local community.

• Supporting the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation to deliver Changemaker Workshops to more than 30 individuals at four locations across the EP, aimed at inspiring locally-driven positive change.

Use the following link to view the complete AIR EP MEDIA RELEASE.