Accessing Government and Financial Assistance

When finances get tight, it’s common for farmers and rural business owners to feel overwhelmed, especially when debt, unexpected events, or rising costs start to put pressure on day-to-day operations. Our Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs) work alongside clients who are navigating these challenges, helping them understand their options and regain a sense of control.

Many clients come to the Rural Financial Counselling Service when they’re unsure how to move forward with their bank or lender. These situations can feel confronting, but you don’t have to face them alone. RFCs help break the situation down, assess the level of financial stress, and work with you to build a practical path forward.

We help clients make informed decisions through:

• Reviewing the full financial picture
• Developing realistic business or recovery plans
• Identifying opportunities to stabilise and improve cashflow
• Exploring options to diversify income or adjust operations
• Supporting family discussions, including succession or transition planning

With a clear plan in place, RFC’s can also work directly with lenders to seek support such as restructuring repayments, adjusting loan terms, switching to interest-only periods, or exploring refinancing options. The aim to help turn things around and support long-term financial health.

One of the tools RFCs may explore with eligible clients is a loan through the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC). These concessional loans are designed to give farming businesses extra breathing space when facing major financial disruptions such as drought, natural disasters or other pressures.

RIC loans can help by providing:

• Lower interest rates
• Periods of interest-only repayments
• Flexibility to refinance part of existing debts or take on new debt
• Support for future planning, risk reduction and succession pathways

As government programs and lending frameworks change RFC’s stay across these developments. This ensures our clients receive support that reflects the most current settings, opportunities, and requirements.

RFCs work closely with organisations like RIC and other financial institutions to strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for rural communities.

Financial hardship can feel isolating, but support is available. RFCS NSW provides free, professional and confidential support, whether you need help managing debt, planning for the future, or understanding what government assistance may apply to your situation.