More than $2.6 million will go towards rural counselling services for farmers in North-East Victoria.
The $56 million dollar program from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024 aims to provide free financial counselling services to farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses suffering financial hardship.
Locally-based Nationals Senator, Bridget McKenzie said the Australian Government selected 10 successful providers in the latest funding round, including Wodonga’s AgBiz Assist Limited to deliver rural financial counselling services over the next three years.
“AgBiz Assist will help support rural and regional businesses, farmers and communities through challenging times to develop solutions that strengthen their position and outlook,” she said.
“With drought, bushfires and COVID-19, this has been one of the toughest periods on record for our region.
“Appointing organisations like AgBiz Assist to deliver the RFCS provide certainty for local farmers struggling the most and to help get them through challenging times.”