Stonnington Cares is a Rotary led community partnership between the City of Stonnigton and the Benalla Rural Shire. We exist to provide on- going support for the residents of Benalla Shire as they seek to deal with the severe economic and social challenges caused by a 7 year long drought. This innovative and exciting program brings together the resources of the two municipalities and the volunteer resources of the Rotary Clubs in both areas. Together we aim to demonstrate in practical and supportive ways that “Stonnington Cares”.

Families are under severe stress as income dries up and debt loads become unsustainable. While finance, farm debt, bankruptcies and related business pressures are at the centre of the rural drought crisis, the flow on effects of these are being manifested more widely in an erosion of ‘social capital’. The consequences of this include marriage break-ups, mental health issues and suicides.

Pike Peters  prahran@rotaryd9800.org