Support for farmers
Department of Primary Industries
As of 30 April, 2024, the DPI RRSS will no longer operate as 1:1 case management support services to individuals. Instead, they have moved to a “group delivery model” of recovery support, to ensure they meet the evolving needs of primary producers and industries impacted by disaster. This pilot models will allow the RRSS to work alongside primary industry groups and representatives to identify and address ongoing industry-specific barriers to recovery. This new model aims to help primary producers also become more resilient for future challenges, including flood, fire and drought.
For primary producers needing individual support
Current RRSS clients are transitioning from DPI to other Recovery Support Services (RSS). For further information around this transition, please contact the DPI general line on 0448 077 684 or email them at flood.recovery@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
To contact the other Recovery Support Services please see this fact sheet(PDF, 183KB) with contact details or the Recovery Support Services tab at the top of this webpage.
Local Land Services
Local Land Services provides flood recovery support and advice to impacted landholders, this includes:
- Animal assessment and veterinary advice and assistance
- Livestock feeding and management advice
- Pasture, cropping and horticulture recovery advice
- Plant and animal biosecurity surveillance and advice
- Erosion control and riverbank restoration advice
Landholders requiring further assistance can contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or via email at recovery@lls.nsw.gov.au. For more information on the program, please see the LLS website.
Rural Aid
Rural Aid provides a great variety of assistance to Primary Producers including:
Farm Army
The farm army is a job posting platform for farmers and workers or volunteers. Farmers can post paid or unpaid jobs or offer positions on a contra basis where applicants work in exchange for meals and/or accommodation. Visit the Farm Army website for more information.
Counselling and wellbeing
Their intake line is staffed by trained counsellors that come with a great understanding of the needs of rural people.
Counselling is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm via the Counsellor Intake Line on 1300 175 594.
Financial assistance
Rural Aid can also help with specific support measures to meet primary producers’ individual needs. These are measured on a case-by-case basis. You register for support by filling in the online application form.
Fodder
Rural Aid sources and delivers fodder for primary producers when there is a localised need for assistance. If you are in need of fodder assistance, contact us for more information.
Domestic water
Rural Aid coordinates domestic water deliveries to assist farmers in need of household water. All farmers registered with Rural Aid can request a load of domestic water once per quarter, per farm. We will then use a local water carter to deliver a load of potable water directly to your house tank. We can work with your allocated water carter or find a local licenced carter for you. Register your request for a load of water on their website.
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)
Level 1, Suite 2/75 Magellan Street, Lismore
RFCS offers free and independent financial counselling and guidance to eligible farmers and small rural related businesses. They have access to many government programs, grants and other agencies and assess your situation, then either suggest other services to you or support you with current and/or long-term financial planning.
Call them on 1800 344 090 or email info@rfcsnr.org.au.
Aussie Helpers
Aussies Helpers provide a wide range of support for farmers including:
- Feed a Farmer – supplies farmers in need with fresh produce.
- Offer a confidential counselling service either over the phone or a friendly cup of tea.
- Aussie Bush Farming Kids - support with special donations for kids like computer costs, books, boarding school fees, travel costs and more.
- AHVise Remote Kids Educational Support Program - connecting farming kids with retired teachers and tutors to assist them in their education.
Call them on 1300 665 232 or email admin@aussiehelpers.org.au.
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMPH)
RAMHP walk beside people, helping them to navigate referral pathways and engage with the most appropriate supports. They also have a range of resources and podcasts on taking care of your mental health after a flood on their website.
Our local Lismore coordinator is contactable on 0477 368 183 or email at Stephen.Carrigg@health.nsw.gov.au.
Women on the Land
Women on the Land is a not for profit established to create a community network of Northern Rivers woman who are focussed on preparedness. They hold a range of events and workshops throughout the year.
Contact 0408 865 665, email womenontheland@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline
