RAWCS signed a partnership agreement with the Commonwealth Government on 12 June 2020 to assist in delivery of the Drought Communities Outreach Program [DCOP], an initiative of National Drought and Northern Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency.

DCOP will be holding 70+ information events in selected towns throughout the drought declared areas for farming families directly impacted by the drought. The aim is to increase coordination of drought support and enhance community awareness of the Australian Government’s drought assistance measures. Rotary’s role is to:

# Assist with community outreach delivery of these information events through wellbeing activities and BBQ catering. 

# Distribute $500 debit cards at these events as direct support to eligible farming households that are experiencing financial hardship due to drought, and 

# Improve levels of economic activity in regions by eligible recipients spending these cards in local communities and businesses. 

On 25 June 2020, RAWCS received a grant of $5 million to fund its role.