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

---

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

Empower Rural Communities with Your Expertise!

Position: Board Director – FinWell Support Limited (t/a RFCS Victoria west)

Are you passionate about supporting rural communities and small businesses? Do you have experience in agriculture and a strong understanding of regional issues? Are you committed to community governance? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Board Director at FinWell Support Limited.

About Us:

Finwell Support Ltd (t/a RFCS Victoria West) is a not-for-profit organisation providing free, confidential counselling to eligible small business owners and farmers across Western Victoria. Our mission is to empower rural communities and promote financial resilience. As a Board Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping our strategic direction and ensuring the wellbeing of those we serve.

Your Role:

As a Board Director, you will contribute your expertise and insights to guide RFCS Victoria West. Your commitment will include participating in a minimum of four board meetings per year, which take place across Western Victoria. Your role will involve:

• Providing input on strategic decisions
• Collaborating with fellow board members on governance matters
• overseeing work on risk, policy, and financial governance

Key Skills and Qualifications:

We are seeking candidates with expertise in at least some of the following areas:

• Agriculture or small business industry awareness
• Strong regional connections and knowledge of local issues
• Community governance experience or professional skills (accounting, legal, or finance)

Encouraging Diversity:

Finwell Support (RFCS Victoria West) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive board. We strongly encourage applications from women and Indigenous candidates, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our governance and better reflect the communities we serve.

Remuneration:

This role is remunerated with daily sitting fees, and travel expenses are reimbursed.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to make a difference in rural Victoria and have the skills and passion we are looking for, please submit your application, including:

1. A CV outlining your governance experience and relevant background
2. A cover letter explaining why you are suited for this role

Application Deadline:
Submit your application by 5 pm, October 21st.

Contact Information: For email submissions or inquiries, please contact:

📧 Email: board@wswrcs.com.au
📞 Enquiries: Chief Executive Officer, David Stafford at 0428 579 089

Be a part of our vision to support rural communities. Apply today and make a meaningful impact in Western Victoria!