Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and their financial impacts on farming and small businesses more severe!

ACT and NSW farmers and small business owners are invited to come and join ACT Government Biosecurity Rural Services, ACT Natural Resource Management staff and project partners – agricultural and risk management specialist David Brown and NSW Rural Financial Counselling Services for a interactive workshop.

Flood, drought, fire, pests, and disease among others – are, arguably, becoming more frequent and more severe. “Navigate Your Farming & Small Business Natural Hazards” is an event for farmers and small business owners aimed at building skills and knowledge in managing natural disasters.

David will deliver an interactive workshop which will help you to:

• understand risks associated with your local natural hazards
• learn the risk management process
• utilise risk management tools
• understand the importance of incorporating risk management into business planning

The workshop will provide you with:

• knowledge to identify and evaluate your risks
• skills to develop your business risk action plan
• access to support to integrate risk management into your business planning

David Brown is an agricultural business consultant committed to providing independent, professional services to private and corporate farm businesses and industry organisations. David is a PhD graduate with analytical, research and reporting skills. David grew up on a sheep/cattle/goat station in northwest NSW and farms and their management have been at the forefront of David’s life. Through working on the family station and as a stockman across Australia, David developed a keen interest in land, livestock and pastures.

NSW Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) will also be providing a short presentation about their work in the ACT and NSW community. RFCS support primary producers and small businesses in finding financial stability and security, by providing confidential and professional advice on a range of issues. Whether you’re a primary producer or small business owner, RFCS are there to help. Their counsellors provide, free, confidential financial advice and support to rural communities across a wide area of NSW and ACT.

Light lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

This event is supported by the ACT Government with funding from the Future Drought Fund – Farm Business Resilience Program.