Wangaratta Drought

North-East Victorian Rural Men's Leadership and Mentor Development Program—Strengthening Drought Affected Communities LifeWorks Relationship Counselling and Education Services has received funds under the Australian Government's Stronger Families and Communities Strategy to assist local communities and families directly affected by drought and its associated impacts. This project aims to provide rural men with leadership, mentoring skills training and mentor support for personal and practical matters through the promotion of help seeking behaviours in times of difficulty or crisis. The project aims to develop stronger family relationships and increased community capacity by increasing men's self-esteem, confidence, resilience and interpersonal competency through the development of leadership and mentorship skills. Enhanced self-esteem and relating skills promotes stronger and richer family relationships giving rise in turn to greater community connectedness and contribution. This project will target 200 people in the communities of Chiltem and Whitfield, providing men with leadership and mentoring activities whilst strengthening family relationships.