Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Southern Region Claimed 

The RFCS is here to offer a free (and confidential) helping hand to anyone working on the land or sea. Whether you’re in agriculture, forestry or fishing, tough conditions can leave even the most seasoned of us feeling exasperated and facing financial exhaustion. And while working in rural and remote areas creates isolation, help is never far away.

Our dedicated, experienced team provides business advice, financial guidance and referrals to 750 farmers across more than 217,000 square kilometres each year. Rain, hail, or shine.

SERVICES

ON-FARM SERVICES

• Farm Investment Loan
• Drought Loan
• Farm Innovation Fund
• On-Farm Emergency Water Rebate
• Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy
• Transport Assistance NSW

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

• Business
• NSW Small Business Grant
• NSW Mentoring Program
• NSW Small Business Stamp Duty Exemption – Insurance
• Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre
• ATO Drought Help
• Small Business Tax Concessions

PERSONAL SERVICES

• Family Relationship Advice Line
• Family Mental Health Support Services
• Suicide Call Back Service

Farm Household Allowance (FHA) provides assistance to farming families experiencing financial hardship.

The program focuses on helping farmers make important decisions to improve their long-term financial situation. There are four key elements to the program:

• A fortnightly payment and supplementary allowances such as rent assistance, telephone and pharmaceutical allowances and a Health Care Card
• Individual case support with a Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO) and a Rural Financial Counsellor (RFC)
• A financial assessment of the farm enterprise up to $1,500
• A $4,000 activity supplement that gives farmers an opportunity to develop skills, access training and pays for advice to better manage their business into the future

• The amount of Farm Household Allowance payable depends on your individual circumstances.