Rural Financial Counselling Service Program

Our Approach

RFCS NSW believes in a holistic approach to business. Our Primary Producer Philosophy informs our service delivery model and reflects our belief that to have a successful, financially self-sufficient business there needs to be alignment between the business, the business owner, the family and the business support network. This philosophy reflects our belief that business planning is key to success. The RFCS NSW’s four pillars of business success are:

  • the business
  • the business owner
  • the family and
  • the business support network.

In each of the pillars we look at the clients’ circumstances, what it means to be successful, and how we can help to achieve that success through building competencies and developing good network relationships.

Success is determined by the client and can include:

  1. Negotiating with Creditors and accessing support so that the client can trade out of financial hardship and achieve debt relief
  2. Running a successful farm or related enterprise to build wealth and reduce the risk of financial hardship
  3. Dignified exits from the industry
  4. Achieving viable family succession of the farming or commercial small business
  5. The client feeling less stressed 
  6. Increasing client business management capability

How we can help

Our experienced counsellors can assist you in navigating the complex financial landscape of rural living. Our counsellors have a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing rural communities and are equipped to provide tailored, confidential and professional advice on a range of issues, including debt relief, budgeting, business planning, and accessing government assistance.

If you are a primary producer or a related enterprise our counsellors are here to support you in finding financial stability and security. They will listen to your concerns and work with you to develop practical solutions to help you achieve your goals.

Need help to get through a difficult time? RFCS NSW can help.

Our rural financial counsellors can help you understand your finances and make a clear plan to move forward. Get in touch for free, confidential support today.

What is financial counselling?

Financial counsellors provide guidance and support to people experiencing financial difficulties in their businesses or personal lives. Here’s what you can expect from the process.  

How does financial counselling work? 

When you see a financial counsellor, they will firstly listen carefully to your personal story to understand the specific financial challenges you are facing, in the short and long term. 

The counsellor will then work with you to gain a clearer picture of your financial situation and provide you with different options and strategies, discussing the pros and cons of each. You can use this information to make your own choices about how to best resolve your financial problems.

The counsellor’s goal is to help you deal with your short-term financial situation as well as minimise the risk of future financial problems. Counselling sessions are safe and always confidential.

How could a rural financial counsellor help me?

At Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW, we specialise in rural financial counselling and provide free assistance for primary producers and rural small business owners. We are well versed in the unique challenges that primary producers face and our rural financial counsellors are ready to lend a hand and guide you through the process.

FAQs

What can rural financial counsellors assist me with?
  • Succession planning 
  • Farm budgeting 
  • Forecasting and cash flow analysis 
  • Farm debt mediation 
  • Bank reviews and relationships 
  • Help refinancing debt 
  • Access government assistance and rural loans 
  • Understand farm loan interest rates  
  • Understand your financials 
  • Build a business plan 
  • Identify areas of risk 
  • Benchmarking 
  • Referrals
  • Debt relief and negotiation
Does RFCS NSW provide ongoing assistance?

We can help you with immediate needs, such as accessing the right rural finance support for your situation – whether it’s an agriculture loan, small business grant or disaster recovery grant – as well as discuss longer-term financial strategies and provide ongoing assistance with a complete review of your rural business.

Is there any cost for these services?

Our service is free and independent and is provided within a safe and confidential environment.

How will my information be used?

We respect your privacy. We do not sell, rent or trade any personal information to or with any third parties. We may disclose your personal information (not financial) to external service providers in the circumstances discussed in our privacy policy.

Who can access RFCS NSW?

Farmers, fishers or foresters experiencing or at risk of experiencing financial hardship and located in the RFCS NSW Central or Southern regions.

What can’t Rural Financial Counsellors do?

Rural financial counsellors do not give family, emotional or social counselling or financial advice. If you require these, our rural financial counsellors can refer you to other professional service providers, including accountants, agricultural advisors, education services, and mental health professionals.

What Our Clients Say

"It has allowed me to continue when I thought all was lost."

"They have been a great assistance in guiding us through the quite complex application process for the Farm Household Assistance program."

"Tony's knowledge was very beneficial when applying for the Farm Innovation fund. The up to date information via email helpful."

"Very helpful in understanding how to fill in certain forms needed, for the Farm Household allowance. Also had plenty of information on other loans available for our business."

"Encouraged pro-active actions, and assisted with strategic business planning and cash flow preparation to enable us to secure the RIC loans and Drought Loans. Also provided valuable assistance, which is giving us more confidence in our negotiations with the bank."

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The Rural Financial Counselling Service Program is funded by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government and is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry