The Wimmera drought
The Horsham region continues to suffer from the devastating effects of one of the worst droughts the area has known. Despite recent rainfalls over the past few months the Wimmera's catchments appear to have missed out on the bulk of the rainfall, rising by only one percent in comparison with this time last year.
How is it affecting the young people of the region?
Young people in the region have become increasingly aware of the impacts of the drought in light of its effects on local sporting clubs. In the country, sport is a huge part of social interaction and exercise. Immense rivalry and chatter about upcoming matches each week monopolises large portions of conversations between young people in the region.
Football and netball leagues in the district have felt the repercussions of the drought. Local netballer Sarah, 17 explains its effect on the local competition.
"At the start of the season extreme measures were taken with the draw. Five teams had a bye first round as grounds were extremely dry and severely cracked and could cause injury."
As a result of low rainfall, local clubs must cart water in to keep their home grounds at a reasonable standard. This is expensive, and with a big portion of club money going towards water, some clubs are struggling to make ends meet.
What are young people doing to curb the affects of the drought?
Attitudes of young people from the Horsham area towards the drought are positive. Everyone is being subjected to or knows someone being subjected to its adverse effects. And everyone is doing all they can to conserve precious water and to maximise the the re-use of grey water.
Young people are banding together to support local drought relief fundraisers and events. This has been seen through the mass youth support of the local Spirit of the Bush concert held earlier this year, as well as the support of local businesses.
Even though the drought is tough on local communities, it also helps to bring those communities closer together. So something positive can come out of something so negative.
To find out more about water management in Victoria, visit Our Water Our Future (new window).
Reviews written by Ashleigh H
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