Program Overview
A number of support options are available for businesses affected by drought in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
The RFCS provides free financial counselling to farmers and small related businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship. Counsellors can assist applicants to apply for the Farm Household Allowance.
A dedicated Small Business Financial Counsellor has been appointed in the Central and East Gippsland region to support non-agricultural small businesses impacted by drought conditions.
Ph: 1800 686 175 (toll free)
Eastern RFCS: 1300 045 747
Web: www.agriculture.gov.au
One-on one consultation sessions for producers
Agriculture Victoria is continuing to provide East Gippsland producers with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one consultation sessions to assist them to manage current seasonal conditions and access support services.
For more information contact Agriculture Victoria:
Livestock
Janice Dowe — Maffra
Mob: 0437 282 315
Keren Walker — Swifts Creek
Mob: 0477 706 384
Dairy
Maria Rose — Maffra
Mob: 0438 282 205
David Shambrook — Leongatha
Mob: 0427 350 928
Irrigation
Alexis Killoran — Maffra
Mob: 0428 387 869
Regional Drought Coordinator
The coordinator acts as a key point of coordination at the local level, providing information on drought services, support options, emerging risks and pressures in their region.
Nick Dudley — Agriculture Victoria, Bairnsdale
Mob: 0428 562 139
Community Resilience Program
East Gippsland and Wellington Shires are eligible to receive funding to support community events that bring communities together, build resilience and raise awareness of drought support services.
Other small infrastructure projects such as improvements to community hubs, halls and precincts will also be considered.
For information contact:
East Gippsland Shire Council
Kathryn Macdonald
Ph: (03) 5153 9500
E: kathrynm@egipps.vic.gov.au
Wellington Shire Council
Mark Coleman
Ph: (03) 5142 3050
E: markc@wellington.vic.gov.au