Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West’s (RFCS VicWest) spirits were not dampened as the team joined a wet and windy Elmore Field Days from Monday October 3 to Thursday October 5.

Members of the RFCS VicWest team took to the grounds in Elmore to talk with farmers and business owners about where they’re at and what support they may need now and into the future.

RFCS VicWest Executive Officer David Stafford said it was a brilliant event and continued to highlight the ways in which the service works directly with its community.

“’How am I going? What can I do’ is a question for many farmers in the region who we’ve recently assisted with flood recovery grants – so hitting the ground running this year at Elmore Field Days was another key milestone for our 2023,” he said.

“Elmore Field Days is a great opportunity for our team to learn about current issues affecting the farming and small business community as they happen.

“Our counsellors are passionate about their work because they live in the region, many from farming backgrounds themselves. When they visit a client at their farm, the connection is real – there’s a sincerity about helping one of their own.

“With counsellors that come to a client’s home, farm or business, and short waiting lists, our service maintains a positive and trusted reputation within rural and regional communities. We thank the Elmore Field Days committee for again welcoming us to their event.”

RFCS has been working with farmers since 1986, and as a not-for-profit business offers free and confidential support for them and small business owners across Western Victoria. The service also includes wellbeing support for clients and their families.

Storm events, droughts, floods, and bushfire are common reasons for calling the RFCS for help, but less obvious is the assistance we can provide for farmers and small business owners facing climbing interest rates and rising costs.

Aside from clarifying your financial position, our counsellors can negotiate with lenders or creditors on your behalf. They can assist with a refinancing strategy, debt mediation, and exit or succession planning if you’re ready to retire and hand over the farm or business to one or more of your children.

RURAL Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Victoria West values its association with the Victorian Government and Business Victoria’s Small Business Bus, with more than 20 additional events scheduled over the coming months.

Financial Counsellors will be available for rural and regional small business owners for 45-minute support sessions; all free and confidential.

The Bus will travel around the State with other services supporting people to develop business ideas and capabilities.

The Small Business Bus currently offers information through various Government organisations, business assistance from expert advisers, and financial business counselling through RFCS.

RFCS Victoria West Executive Officer David Stafford said the Small Business Bus is a practical solution for the busy lifestyles of rural and regional business owners.

“The Small Business Bus is a fantastic initiative, and we are proud to continue to support the program that travels across our vast region,” he said.

“We understand that sometimes people are busy and would prefer to stay in their own towns or try and duck out when its quiet to have a quick discussion to see what support is, or may be, available.

“Our involvement in the program also allows us to stay in touch with local business owners and make sure we are across all issues being faced in our local communities.

“We are a free and confidential service, and we are only a call away. If you can’t book onto the Small Business Bus, you can call us on 1300 735 578.”

To book a session with a Financial Counsellor please visit https://bit.ly/businessbusbooking or contact us on 1300 735 578.