This project assessed the effectiveness of the promotion and marketing activities of the 2002-03 and 2003-04 Drought Counselling Assistance Packages.

The Drought Assistance Counselling Package, funded under the Family Relationships Services Program (FRSP), was part of a suite of Australian Government funded programs for drought affected areas in rural Australia.  The Package included targeted assistance in the form of family income support, interest rate subsidies for farm enterprises, assistance for eligible small businesses, and funding to the Country Women’s Association to support individuals and families affected by the drought.

This review focused on two key components, namely:

• Communication and promotion-examining the use, nature and effectiveness of the communication or marketing strategies used by each of the Family Relationship Services Program providers funded to deliver drought counselling.
• Services and activities-collection and analysis of information regarding the range of services provided by each organisation through the Drought Counselling Assistance Package.

The project investigated the level of funding, resources developed and used by the FRSP providers, and the effectiveness and reach of these activities. Recommendations were also made on any future marketing approaches that could be adopted to promote similar individual and family counselling support in rural areas affected by crises.