Parliamentary Secretary Michaela Settle talks about resilience at the Vic Hub’s Drought Resilience 2025 conference

‘Drought does not stop when the rain falls’

Speaking at Drought Resilience 2025 today, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria, Ms Michaela Settle, highlighted the importance of sustained resilience in the face of increasingly frequent droughts.

The event is being held this week in Geelong by the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub (Vic Hub), which is supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Focusing on practical ways to prepare for and recover from drought, the event is bringing together cross-disciplinary experts and academics, along with industry and community leaders.

Ms Settle said, “While recent rain has given us some hope, drought does not stop when the rain falls. We must help farmers and communities get back on their feet. The impact of drought lingers – especially when farm businesses have to let staff go, which affects families and the wider community.

“Drought is becoming more frequent, and for many, like our south-west dairy farmers, this is unlike anything they’ve seen before. The government no longer sees drought as a one-off ‘act of God’ if you like. We need to be ready and maintain practical measures – such as feedlots – because we know drought will return.”

Ms Settle explained the Victorian Government is increasingly focused on building resilience.

“Our mission now is to get Victoria drought ready. That’s why the Premier’s Drought Taskforce – which includes banks, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and community organisations – will continue to meet. We know people turn to groups like the CWA for support, so we’re running the family-support package through them.

“This is the fourth drought package, recognising the original 11 local government areas. It’s not easy, there are many factors in deciding where support goes, but we’ve committed $144 million so far.”

Lived experience

Ms Settle also shared her personal experience to underline the long-term effects of drought.

“After the Millennial Drought, my now ex-husband and I lost part of our farm – and our marriage.”

She said during the drought they were too busy “keeping on going”, but afterwards “things really exploded”, describing the personal hardship that led to the losses.

“We need to remember that people can be in vulnerable mindsets long after the drought appears to be over.

“The mission is to get us all – farmers and the community – drought ready, and the Vic Hub fits in here.”

Vic Hub Director Dr Sara Hely said the focus on resilience was at the core of the Vic Hub’s operations.

“Michaela Settle summarised the Vic Hub’s mission well: our approach is about connecting the best available research with the real needs of farmers and communities. By working together, we can streamline the delivery of knowledge and support the adoption of innovations that make a tangible difference on the ground,” Dr Hely said.

“Resilience isn’t just about surviving the next dry spell: it’s about strengthening our communities, supporting mental health, and ensuring Victoria’s agriculture can thrive in the face of ongoing challenges.”

The Drought Resilience 2025 event continues through until Friday 11 July.

Dr Hely encouraged those who needed help to see the available resources for dry seasons and drought on the Vic Hub’s Resources page.

Media Contact

Samantha Schelling, Communications
Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub
samantha.schelling@unimelb.edu.au | mobile: 0403 106 404