Publications

Nov 1

Financial Counsellor Welcome Return

2018-11-01T10:07:00+00:00

We are pleased to welcome back Peter Pauwels, our Rural Financial Counsellor servicing East and West Gippsland regions. Peter has been a Rural Financial Counsellor for over 8 years in both Victoria and Queensland.

With extensive business consulting experiences, nationally and internationally, Peter brings significant exposure and working knowledge of a variety of rural businesses and product supply enterprises, with particular understanding of the challenges and opportunities within cattle, sheep, and deer products; as well as cow and goat dairy.  He brings knowledge in land conversion, as well as a vast understanding of production systems within grain and pulse; red meat; wool; fibre and horticulture.

Read more about Peter’s extensive background and the value he brings to our farmers and rural businesses

Financial Counsellor Welcome Return 2018-11-01T10:07:00+00:00
Oct 29

Support for Rural Businesses

2018-10-29T18:21:17+00:00

We are now extending our services to non-agricultral rural small businesses throughout the drought affected areas of Gippsland thanks to funding recently announced by the State Government.

An additional Financial Counsellor will be appointed shortly to commence engagement with business owners to provide immediate assistance and help plan a path forward to build long-term resilience.

Interested businesses seeking this support are encouraged to contact us on 1300 045 747 or email

Click here to view Our Media Release

Minister’s Release

Support for Rural Businesses 2018-10-29T18:21:17+00:00
Oct 1

Expanded Farm Household Allowance

2018-10-01T11:26:01+00:00

The Coalition Government passed legislation to amend the Farm Household Allowance to help farmers in drought.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the changes will deliver unto $12,000 FHA supplement from 1 September for couples and $7,200 for singles.

The changes will also lift the FHA net asset threshold cap from $2.6 million to $5 million from 1 September.

“We’re working full tilt get this support out the door as soon as possible,” Mr Littleproud said.

Read Minister Press Release

Expanded Farm Household Allowance 2018-10-01T11:26:01+00:00
Oct 1

We Are Coming To You

2018-10-01T11:21:06+00:00

We are on the bus with Centrelink’s Mobile Service to assist drought-affected farmers with the expanded Farm Household Allowance.

We will be in various townships throughout Gippsland in November & December 2018.

Click here to view our schedule

Contact us for more information via email or phone 1300 045 747

We Are Coming To You 2018-10-01T11:21:06+00:00
Jul 17

Saputo throws support behind mandatory code of conduct

2018-07-17T09:52:22+00:00

Australia’s largest dairy processor, Saputo, has come out in support of a mandatory code of conduct for the industry and called for milk price step-downs to be illegal.

Earlier this year the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommended a mandatory code to address a large imbalance in bargaining power between farmers and processors. Read more…

By Isabella Pittaway, Kim Honan – ABC Rural

Saputo throws support behind mandatory code of conduct 2018-07-17T09:52:22+00:00
Jul 16

2018 National Farm Safety Week – 16-22 July

2018-07-16T12:28:06+00:00

Farmers are being warned that a simple choice can have tragic consequences and that they must plan ahead and prioritise safety in each and every task.

The warning from WorkSafe follows twelve workplace deaths from incidents on Victorian farms since July 2017, an average of one a month.

Six people have died as a result of on-farm workplace incidents since January 1, which is half of the workplace deaths that have occurred in Victoria so far in 2018.

The plea to put safety first comes as National Farm Safety Week highlights the many simple things that farmers can do to make their workplaces safer for themselves, workers and family members…read more

2018 National Farm Safety Week – 16-22 July 2018-07-16T12:28:06+00:00
May 24

Seeking Farming Women to participate in study

2018-05-24T15:12:27+00:00

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.

Find our more & participate

Seeking Farming Women to participate in study 2018-05-24T15:12:27+00:00
May 24

On-Farm Energy Assessments

2018-05-24T15:01:54+00:00

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.

Click here for further information

On-Farm Energy Assessments 2018-05-24T15:01:54+00:00
Apr 24

Drought in Eastern Victoria forcing farmers to sell off half their herds as dams run dry

2018-04-24T13:26:56+00:00

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

Drought in Eastern Victoria forcing farmers to sell off half their herds as dams run dry 2018-04-24T13:26:56+00:00