Centacare drought support worker Jay Green is on speed dial for anyone in Mount Isa, Boulia, Winton and Diamantina who needs help applying for assistance, filling out forms or anyone who just needs to chat. 

Ms Green said often it was difficult for people to ask for help if they had not reached out before. 

She said Centacare’s support workers were available to meet people in a neutral place close to home or could have a chat over the phone.  

“The whole point of the program is to encourage people to reach out to someone instead of feeling as if they cannot confide in anyone or that they are alone in this,” she said. 

Ms Green said getting out from behind the desk and on the road to attend local events and share some stories at the pub was her way of networking with anyone who may need support. 

“This informal way seems to be the way people have linked to the service rather than going into people’s homes,” she said. 

Ms Green said she was happy to assist business owners and other members of the community feeling the stress of the downturn who didn’t have access to financial assistance. 

The Drought Relief Yarning (DRY) line is a free confidential support service to people affected by the drought. 

It is manned by Centacare drought support workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Anyone can request face-to-face support or a phone call by dialling 1800644955.