Are you passionate about supporting rural communities and making a real difference in people’s lives?
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Victoria West is currently seeking motivated and compassionate individuals to join our team in the following roles:
Wellbeing Counsellor
Use your experience in mental health or community support to deliver practical wellbeing assistance to farmers, small business owners, and regional communities across Western Victoria.
Small Business Financial Counsellor
Join our team as a Financial Counsellor, supporting small business and farmers across Camperdown, Colac, and Geelong regions. This role provides practical financial guidance and business planning support to regional business.
These roles offer a unique opportunity to work in a flexible, supportive environment where your work directly contributes to community resilience.
Both roles are:
✔️ Regionally based
✔️ Part of a well-established, respected support network
✔️ Focused on making a real impact across South West Victoria
If you’re ready to use your skills to support those facing financial and emotional hardship, we’d love to hear from you.
Small Business Financial Counsellor
📄 For further information and learn how to apply at:
👉 Seek Job Ad Information
📅 Applications close: Sunday 10 August 2025
For more information, please contact David Stafford, CEO 0428 579 089
Wellbeing Counsellor
📄 For further information and learn how to apply at:
👉 Seek Job Ad Information
📅 Applications close: Sunday 10 August 2025
For more information, please contact David Stafford, CEO 0428 579 089
Finwell Support T/A Rural Financial Counselling Victoria West is proud to deliver a new round of targeted drought support for dairy farming communities in South-West Victoria, thanks to a generous funding commitment from the Gardiner Foundation.
From 16 June 2025 to 30 June 2026, up to $300,000 will be directed towards financial relief and wellbeing initiatives designed specifically for dairy farmers, their service providers, and regional communities. This support aims to reduce immediate financial pressure, enable informed business decisions, and foster long-term community resilience.
What’s Available?
Who Is Eligible?
This is not a public relief program. Support is targeted to dairy clients actively working with Finwell Support T/A Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West, where hardship has been identified through a financial review.
Get in Touch
If you are a dairy farmer or work closely with the dairy industry in South-West Victoria and would like to explore support options, please reach out:
Call us on 1300 735 578
Email us at admin@wswrcs.com.au
We’re here to help — whether it’s with day-to-day essentials, strategic business advice, or community wellbeing.
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.
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:
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:
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:
Key Skills and Qualifications:
We are seeking candidates with expertise in at least some of the following areas:
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:
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!