The Invisible Farmer Project is the largest ever study of Australian women on the land.
This three year project (2017-2020) is funded by the Australian Research Council and involves a nation-wide partnership between rural communities, academics, government and cultural organisations.
It aims to lean about the diverse, innovative and vital roles women play in Australian agriculture.
Free on-farm energy assessments are now available.
On-farm energy assessments analyse on-farm energy use (electricity, gas and diesel) and identify opportunities to make energy savings, improve output volumes per energy unit, and convert to renewable energy sources. The assessments will make recommendations tailored to the type and size of farms.
An on-farm energy assessment will be a prerequisite for the future on-farm energy grants.
ABC News article highlighting the dire conditions facing East Gippsland farmers.
Region is currently expericing 1 in 20 year rainfall deficiency.
Rural Financial Counsellors expecting the number of Drought Concessional Loans to significantly increase.
Read article by Isabella Pittaway
photo Peter Honey
Murray Goulburn Co-operative is awaiting the decision by the Foreign Investment Review Board regarding the $1.31 billion sale to Canadian dairy giant Saputo due on April 18.
Until then, MG cannot finalise the record date for the return on shares and on the units held in Trust.
Dairy farmers have not received the last 6 months of funds collected from .40c per 2 litre bottle of farmers fund milk paid by customers and collected by Coles.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are contracted to distribute the funds quarterly to south east Australia’s dairy farmers to invest in productivity and business skill improvements.
VFF President announced these 2 quarters would now be merged into one round, opened to farmers from 1 May 2018.
Editor Peter Hunt
We are pleased to announce the appointment of 2 new Financial Counsellors to the Gippsland team.
Christos Iliopoulos and Sarah Bardsley.
Christos will be based in Maffra, servicing the whole Gippsland region 3 days per week. He brings extensive experience in commerce; local government; community health and education, and a significant background in business management, consulting, teaching, disability support and farmer assistance.
Sarah will be based in Ellinbank and Maffra, servicing the whole of Gippsland 2 days per week. She bringing extensive experience in the dairy industry; business management and has working knowledge of issues directly impacting our rural communities, developing the Heyfield Financial Counselling Community Outreach Program.
for more information click here
Media Release – New Financial Counsellors welcomed
Agriculture Victoria are inviting applications from young people under the age of 35 wanting to upskill and invest in a future in agriculture.
Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available with 50% towards study and 50% to invest on-farm or professional development activities.
Applications close on 24 April 2018
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Clare Adams to our Board.
Clare is a resident of Sale and brings extensive experience within financial services, banking and employment industries, as well as board appointments within the education and aged care sectors. Clare has specific expertise in finance and audit.
Clare is highly involved in her community, and is currently appointed as a Victorian State Bail Justice.
We would also like to thank outgoing Board Member, Chris Trotman for her five years of instrumental service to RFCSV-G.
The annual Lions Club Need for Feed Hay Run was held on Australia Day, assisting farmers in East Gippsland with Fodder, Food Hampers, Pet Food and Fuel Vouchers.
Our team was on the ground assisting our farming families receive some much needed relief.
We sincerely thank the Lions Group with Aussie Helpers and Drought Angels, as well as all the selfless volunteers for their outstanding efforts to deliver this valued initiative.
Want to know more? Visit needforfeed.org
We bid a fond farewell to a much respected team member, Marshall Scott recently resigning from RFCSV-G.
Marshall has been a Financial Counsellor since 2002, assisting well over 600 farmers throughout his career, often helping navigate through serious disasters and crises.
Marshall was often the face of RFCSV-G as a spokesman representing the assistance we provide our farming communities. As well as years of practical farming experience, and being our in-house fisheries expert, he holds numerous qualifications in Agribusiness, Horticulture, Agriculture, Accounting and Financial Counselling.
Clients often commented on Marshall’s approach to counselling, particularly of his great empathy, understanding, and immense knowledge.
Marshall will be greatly missed by our team and clients alike. We thank him for his enormous contribution over 15 years and wish him a wonderful future
