Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Description

Rural Financial Counselling Victoria provides confidential, independent financial assessment and support for farming families and small rural businesses facing financial difficulty. Rural Financial Counselling groups are regionally based throughout Victoria.

Services provided

  • Financial assessment
  • Help with cash flow and budgeting
  • Business planning
  • Review of contracts and loan applications
  • Farm debt mediation
  • Information on government assistance schemes
  • Information on and referral to Centrelink and professional counselling services
  • Help with family decision-making regarding your farm or rural business, including succession planning

Eligibility

Available to rural businesses, with fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees, that provide the majority of their services to primary producers, and are directly involved in primary production (for example, fencing contractors and businesses providing harvesting, spraying or stock management services)

How to access

Call (03) 5442 2424

Visit Rural Financial Counselling VictoriaExternal Link

Find your nearest Rural Financial Counselling serviceExternal Link

The National Relay Service (NRS)External Link is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.

Costs

Rural Financial Counselling is a free service.

Tip

  • Rural financial counsellors can help you develop a one year productivity and financial forecast and then incorporate that into a 5-year-and-beyond plan for the future.

Important

If you are in urgent need of help with bill payments or Farm Debt Mediation, contact your local Rural Financial Counsellor service for immediate assistance.

For crisis counselling, call:

  • beyondblue 1300 22 4636
  • MensLine 1300 78 99 78
  • WIRE (Women’s Information and Referral Exchange) 1300 134 130