The Victorian Government has extended its On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant Program to include an additional six LGAs in Western Victoria. The grant program (announced in September 2024) continues in south west Victoria and for this region the grant amount has been increased to up to $10,000.

Newly eligible farmers can express their interest directly with Rural Finance via admin@ruralfinance.com.au. For more information on the Grant and how to apply, visit the Agriculture Victoria website here

For free assistance with understanding and applying for grants, call us at RFCS Victoria West. Using our years of experience, we can save you time and take the stress out of the application process. Call us on 1300 735 578 for an on farm appointment.

Donations of hay from Gippsland farmers were gratefully accepted by their drought-stricken counterparts in the Colac/Otway region on Saturday 12 April. Truck driver Don Petty drove one of 14 rigs that transported the much-needed feed to over a dozen farmers experiencing dry conditions on Victoria’s South coast.

The event was celebrated at the Colac Showgrounds where Showgrounds President Ray Wheadon with help from committee member Gemma, made cooking facilities available and opened up the antique machinery sheds for interested parties. A handful of local farmers attended the event so that they could meet the volunteer drivers and show their heart-felt gratitude.  Showgrounds and P&A committee members cooked a BBQ to feed the crew on the night and provided breakfast the following morning before the drivers headed back home.

Two of the trucks that accompanied the convoy were part of the Aussie Hay Runners charity. RFCS financial counsellor George Leishman was at the event and heard from Aussie Hay Runners founder Linda Widdup that canola hay from the Riverina may find it’s way to the region in the next few weeks. In the meantime, Don has been busy trying to organise another hay run to the Hamilton/Warrnambool region which has also seen a dry Autumn.

To find out more about Aussie Hay Runners go to https://www.facebook.com/aussiehayrunners/

RFCS Victoria West is excited to share two new opportunities to join our dedicated team, supporting rural communities across Western Victoria. If you’re passionate about making a difference and working with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Rural Financial Counsellor/Financial Capability Worker

Are you passionate about supporting farmers and small business owners to build financial resilience and navigate tough times? RFCS Victoria West is seeking a compassionate and solutions-focused Rural Financial Counsellor / Financial Capability Worker to provide free, confidential support that makes a real difference in rural communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide financial guidance and business planning support, including succession planning. 
• Undertake financial analysis, including cash flow preparation and business planning. 
• Assist clients with Farm Household Allowance applications and obligations. 
• Help clients access grants and other financial support programs. 
• Refer clients to specialist services (e.g., mental health support, legal services, and accountants). 
• Engage in community outreach and stakeholder engagement to promote the service. 
• Maintain accurate records to ensure compliance with reporting requirements. 
• Attend industry events and training to enhance professional knowledge. 

Location: Incorporating Hamilton, Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Bendigo & Ballarat
Closes: Monday, 7 April 2025 (9am)
Apply now: View full job details here

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IT and Systems Support Officer

Are you a tech-savvy problem solver with a passion for supporting others? Finwell Support Ltd (t/a RFCS Victoria West) is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented IT and Systems Support Officer to help maintain and enhance our digital systems and provide day-to-day technical support across the organisation. This is a great opportunity to play a key role in ensuring smooth operations that support our work with rural communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide IT systems support, including troubleshooting and maintenance 
• Assist with developing and implementing IT policies and procedures 
• Maintain and improve systems supporting key business functions, with a focus on Power BI reporting and dashboards 
• Support Salesforce system administration and process improvements (advantageous but not essential) 
• Assist with systems maintenance for projects 

Location: Covering the Western Victoria Region
Closes: Monday, 7 April 2025 (9am)
Apply now: View full job details here