Agriculture Victoria
Agriculture Victoria is working with Victorian farmers and industry to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and dry seasonal conditions. This includes delivering technical information and supporting events.
Call 136 186 or email: recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Business VIctoria
Information and resources to support businesses including currently available grants and programs.
Visit: https:/business.vic.gov.au
Farm Business Resilience Program
See the story on page 64.
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)
The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to farmers and small related rural businesses that are in, or at risk of experiencing, financial hardship.
A rural financial counsellor can help farmers prepare for discussions with their banks to make informed decisions for the future benefit of their business. They can also assist farmers to apply for financial assistance.
Call 1300 771 741 or visit: rfcsnetwork.com.au
Farm Household Allowance
Farmers in financial hardship may be eligible for the Federal Government’s Farm Household Allowance (FHA), a fortnightly payment available for up to four years in a specific 10-year period.
A rural financial counsellor can help farmers understand their eligibility and apply for the FHA.
Go to: servicesaustralia.gov.au
Farmer Assistance Hotline
Contact the Farmer Assistance Hotline to find out about Commonwealth support services available to farmers and rural communities.
Call 132 316.
Regional Investment Corporation
Farmers may be able to access low-interest loans through the Federal Government’s Regional Investment Corporation (RIC).
A RIC loan is a partnership between the farm business, a commercial lender and the Regional Investment Corporation.
Available loans include the Farm Investment Loan and the Drought Loan.
Call 1800 875 675, email: info@ric.gov.au or go to: www.ric.gov.au