RFCS NSW April Newsletter
CEO update
We are now into the winter cropping season with sowing happening in the north and paddocks being prepared in the south. Travelling from Wagga Wagga to Young last week, I saw a bit more stubble burning than previous years. It might be a response to the weed problem we had following the rain events in March. In general, grain farmers are wrestling whether they plant a crop at all this winter. Poor soil moisture from a persistent and spreading drought, suboptimal prices, and high input costs, in particular diesel and fertiliser, makes the decision to plant difficult. It is important to run scenarios and crunch numbers before making any decision. This is where the Rural Financial Counsellors can assist.
As part of my trip to Young, we ran a roundtable discussion about regional issues, service provision and policy and program initiatives with representatives from the Regional Investment Corporation, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Mayor Brian Ingram and Deputy Mayor Tony Flanery from Hilltops Council. The launch of our new pilot financial counselling service as part of the Medicare Mental Health program with Grand Pacific Health was very well received. This commenced in March and will run through to the end of June for clients in Wagga Wagga and Young. In addition to mental health, other issues in the region include weed control, cost of services and infrastructure, drought support, and the viability of farming businesses in the current climate. We committed to working with councils and other agencies on delivering the Regional Drought Resilience Plans across our service region.
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) have just released an updated version of the Australian Financial Counselling Code of Ethical Practice. This document outlines the ethical principles and behaviour financial counsellors must abide by and implement in practice. Key themes in the document are maintaining client respect, being non-judgemental, drawing on client strengths to motivate change, protecting confidentiality, client advocacy with consent and delivering to professional standards. As a member of the Financial Counselling Association of NSW (FCAN), RFCS NSW must be compliant with this document. We do this by including it in our service delivery model, training and audit programs and financial counsellor performance assessments. A copy of the document can be accessed here.
Given the launch of the Medicare Mental Health program financial counselling service, we thought it appropriate to focus this month's newsletter theme on mental health. Back in 2023 the National Farmers Federation released its first National Farmer Wellbeing Survey in partnership with Norco. There are some alarming statistics in this document like suicide rates of farmers being around 59 per cent higher than the general population. Many of the drivers of poor mental health are the same as those causing financial hardship. While we are not psychiatrists or psychologists, we do reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by helping to get finances back on track. Please reach out if you or anyone you know needs assistance.
Navigating financial stress in uncertain times
Drought, economic shocks from the Iran war, and the subsequent fuel and fertiliser crisis, have reverberated far beyond farm gates – impacting not only operations, but the wellbeing of farmers themselves.
Farmers are grappling with questions around decision-making, finances, and the availability of critical inputs like fuel and fertiliser.
‘I have to take it one day at a time otherwise I won't get out of bed.'
This is one of the sentiments a Riverina farmer recently shared with RFCS NSW staff.
At times like these, talking to someone is more important than ever. Financial stress often leads to emotional strain, along with the mental health challenges that can follow. The reassuring news is that you don't have to face it alone.
Rural Financial Counsellors are just a call or visit away, offering a free, trusted and confidential space to talk through your financial situation and explore practical next steps.
More farmers turning to support services
As drought conditions tighten across NSW, many farming families are facing a difficult combination of dry seasons and rising costs. For some, the pressure has reached a point where seeking support is no longer optional – it's essential.
Dubbo-based mixed farmer and former RFCS NSW client Barry Wheeler knows this reality first-hand. He says the challenges on farm continue to build, from feeding livestock to managing day-to-day expenses.
According to Rural Aid, more producers across the state are turning to support services for help with fodder, water, finances and wellbeing – a reminder that no one has to navigate tough seasons alone.
Reach out to Rural Aid for practical on-farm and wellbeing support services at no cost, including:
- Financial assistance to help cover urgent or unexpected costs
- Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
- Water deliveries for essential household use
- On-ground help through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, assisting with clean-up and rebuilding
- Counselling and mental health support for farmers and their families
The farm jobs that keep getting delayed
We all have those farm jobs we put off. The fencing. The paperwork. The budgeting. The tough financial decisions.
As featured in The Land, it's often these behind-the-scenes tasks that can feel the hardest to tackle, and the easiest to delay. But when does putting them off start holding you back?
Rural Financial Counsellor Graeme Witte encourages landholders to step back and ask a simple but powerful question: What will happen if you do nothing different, how will that align with your goals?
It's a prompt our Rural Financial Counsellors use when working with landholders, encouraging them to pause and take stock – whether that's reviewing finances, exploring refinancing, or considering ways to improve cash flow.
Because sometimes, progress starts with asking the right questions.
Plan ahead with Farm Smart sessions
RFCS NSW is partnering with NSW Farmers and DPIRD to deliver the Farm Smart Planning and Management Workshops, designed to help producers strengthen their farm business resilience.
These free sessions provide practical tools and insights to support decision-making, improve financial management, and plan for future challenges.
Upcoming Farm Smart sessions:
- Finley – 6 May (Finley RSL Club)
- Trangie – 3 June (Trangie Bowling Club)
- Griffith – 30 June (Griffith Exies Club)
- Orange – 30 June (Waratah Sports Club)
These workshops will be delivered by the RFCS NSW.
Oyster Focus workshops
Tailored sessions are also available for oyster producers, focusing on industry-specific challenges and resilience.
Upcoming sessions:
- Narooma – 18 June (Club Narooma)
- Merimbula – 25 June (Club Sapphire)
These events are delivered by NSW Farmers as part of the Farm Business Resilience Program, jointly funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.
Supply chain pressures under the spotlight
A national assessment of Australia's food supply chain is expected within days, aiming to better understand vulnerabilities and strengthen system resilience.
The review comes at a time when producers are already facing ongoing pressures, including fluctuating fuel prices and uncertainty around fertiliser availability. Insights from the assessment will inform future planning, policy and investment, helping ensure the supply chain remains robust under increasing strain.
In the meantime, the GRDC has released fertiliser resources and tools to support growers in preparing for and making decisions amid continued uncertainty around fertiliser and fuel supplies:
- Paddock Practices: Fertiliser decisions ahead of planting
- Webinar: Spreading your fertiliser budget further
- Publication: Fertiliser management toolbox
- Website: RiskWi$e – the National Risk Management Initiative
Strong turnout at LLS events across the regions
Local Land Services events continue to draw strong engagement, with recent sessions providing valuable opportunities for farmers to connect and plan ahead, especially during the current conditions.
At Booligal, Rural Financial Counsellor Justin Luckel joined around 30 landholders – representing much of the district – at a Landholder Support Day, with funds raised for the Isolated Children's Parents Association and strong support for the local community.
Pre-season market update sessions in Tocumwal and Bunnaloo brought together producers and industry, with Justin presenting and together with fellow RFC Angela Lonergan, connecting with attendees to discuss seasonal outlooks and key decisions.
In Deniliquin, Justin also contributed to NSW Farmer hosted succession planning discussions, with follow-up enquiries reinforcing the value of these conversations.
Riverina Roadshow delivers practical drought support
Access to timely, practical advice, support and tools are critical during drought.
At the recent Riverina Roadshow in Cootamundra, Rural Financial Counsellor Marine Morton connected with landholders alongside other service providers.
Farmers heard from Charles Sturt University researchers on topics including sheep confinement feeding and cereal crop performance, before moving into a drought support drop-in session.
This allowed landholders to speak directly with service providers including the RFCS NSW and access tailored advice to help manage current conditions and plan ahead.
Rural women celebrated at ‘Many Hats, One Heart’ event
Did you know women make up a significant and growing part of Australia's agricultural workforce, often balancing multiple roles across farm, family and community?
That was the focus of the recent Many Hats, One Heart event at the Orange Agricultural Institute, where around 25 women came together to connect and share experiences, attended by Rural Financial Counsellor Danielle Davenport.
Danielle said the day sparked meaningful conversations and new opportunities, including an invitation to present to a local business group on how the RFCS NSW supports farming communities during hardship.
Attendees heard from speakers across agribusiness, communications and primary production, and took part in a hands-on activity reflecting the many roles they hold.
Supported through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, the event highlighted the value of connection, shared learning and recognising the contribution of rural women.
Egelabra Open Day showcases practical sheep genetics
One of the Central West's leading Merino studs opened its gates recently, drawing around 300 producers to the Egelabra Open Day near Warren, with Rural Financial Counsellor Sophie Ray in attendance.
Known for breeding sheep suited to commercial conditions, Egelabra showcased a range of stock including Merino ewes, 2025-drop rams and crossbred sheep, alongside fleece displays.
Visitors also toured the new seven-stand shearing shed and undercover yards, while livestock technology company Datamars Livestock demonstrated the latest EID technology and livestock management tools to help producers better track and manage performance.
The day offered a valuable mix of genetics, technology and peer connection, focused on improving productivity in real-world farming systems. It was an opportunity for Sophie to connect with growers and promote the RFCS NSW's important service.
AgSkilled training building practical on-farm capability
New technology is playing an increasing role in agriculture, and local training is helping farmers make the most of it.
Danielle Tuckwell recently joined other participants in the AgSkilled-funded Drones in Agriculture and Farm Mapping and Data Collection course through Tocal College, delivered by Ben Watts from Bralca.
She has since worked to bring the training to her region, with sessions delivered in Cassilis and Coonamble. These courses help farmers improve efficiency, better understand their operations, and make more informed decisions, with further opportunities in farm business training in the works. Danielle's now exploring opportunities to bring more AgSkilled-funded farming business courses to the region.
Innovation on display at Dubbo field day
From autonomous spray rigs to robotic sheep dogs, innovation was front and centre at last month's Big Tech, Big Ideas Field Day in Dubbo, attended by the RFCS NSW.
The event attracted strong interest from producers keen to explore technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Demonstrations included drones, virtual fencing and data-driven tools, highlighting the growing role of technology in modern farming.
It was also a chance for our Rural Financial Counsellors to build some new connections and partner with Farms of the Future on their upcoming road show. Due to the fuel crisis this will be a pilot roadshow to begin with and then hopefully roll it out in more locations over time.
Riverina Field Days: strong turnout and shared insights
An estimated 10,000-15,000 people attended this year's Riverina Field Days at Whitton, a strong result despite cold weather and ongoing cost pressures, with Rural Financial Counsellors Scott Boyle, Leanne Bode and Rhianna Cameron attending.
RFCS NSW staff connected with a wide cross-section of farmers, industry and community organisations, sharing information and supporting referrals. Discussions with local businesses pointed to softer retail activity in recent months, while engagement with support services highlighted the importance of collaboration in helping farming families. The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen networks across banking, legal and agricultural sectors and to stay across emerging trends and technologies.
With backgrounds across banking, agriculture and advisory services themselves, Rural Financial Counsellors are part of the communities they support – building strong local connections and helping farmers navigate challenges. Getting out and connecting face-to-face is what it's all about.
Coming up: connect with us in your region
Rural Financial Counsellors will be attending a range of upcoming events, including field days, workshops and industry conferences. From Broken Hill to Mildura, Cooma to the South Coast, these events provide an opportunity to connect with farmers, share insights and offer support.
You can connect with:
- Stephen Morris at the Broken Hill Ag Fair (1–2 May)
- Clare Boardman and Bonnie Hayes at the Landcare Australia Carbon Workshop at Cooma (7 May)
- Graeme Witte at Mildura Field Days (15–16 May)
- Nikki Fletcher and Bonnie Hayes at the NSW Oyster Conference (26–27 May)
- Olivia Coulahan at the Central Tablelands LLS Beef Muster at Blayney (3 June)
If you're attending, drop by for a chat – building local connections and supporting farming communities is at the heart of what we do.
Weathering Well: supporting mental health
With ongoing seasonal challenges, the Weathering Well initiative is delivering events focused on mental health and resilience. Upcoming sessions include Resilience Project presentations in Lockhart and Wagga Wagga, alongside programs like Unbreakable Farmer and Mental Health First Aid training.
RAMHP Women's Wellbeing Workshops
In rural communities, women are often balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. These free Women's Wellbeing Workshops offer practical tools, shared experiences and a supportive environment to recharge and connect.
Upcoming: Narromine (12 May), Urana (4 June)
Succession planning seminars
NSW Farmers is delivering succession planning seminars statewide, helping families navigate one of farming's biggest decisions. Topics include legal and tax considerations, family communication and planning a smooth transition.
Turn natural assets into income
Could your bushland or native pastures generate additional income? Local Land Services is hosting upcoming workshops to help landholders explore biodiversity markets, including how to protect natural assets while creating new revenue streams. Hear real-world experiences, including from farmers already participating in biodiversity and credit schemes.
Upcoming sessions:
Farm business workshop – Holbrook
A two-day workshop in Holbrook (26–27 May) will help producers better understand their financial data to drive and improve decision-making. Participants will work through real farm figures to build practical business insights.
Explore carbon farming opportunities
Carbon and natural capital projects are gaining interest as a way to diversify income and build resilience. Landholders can start with a free online course through Local Land Services, or attend a Carbon Profit Planning Workshop in Corowa (30 April & 14 May) for tailored insights and economic modelling.
NSW Landcare and LLS Conference & Awards
Corowa will host the 2026 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference from 27–29 October, celebrating collaboration and community-led land stewardship. Register here.
Nominations are also now open for the NSW Landcare Awards, recognising individuals and groups making a difference across land, water and community. Know someone doing great work? Put their name forward.
Short courses for farmers
Tocal College is offering a range of practical short courses across NSW, helping build on-farm skills.
At Yanco:
Farm motorbike operations – 4 May
Chemical application (Level 3) – 5–6 May
Rural fencing – 6–7 May
Across NSW:
Courses include drones in agriculture, farm mapping, chemical use and biosecurity.
Fee-free agriculture and agribusiness training
Fee-free training in agriculture and agribusiness is available across NSW through the Smart and Skilled program. Courses include Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications, helping build skills for current and future farm businesses. Eligibility applies under the NSW Smart and Skilled program and places are limited.
Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Region | ABN: 57 649 413 936
256 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website |