RBS appoints two new RFC to Upper North, Pastoral zones

Caroline Reichstein and Paul Erklenz will work with drought-affected families in the Mid North, Upper North and Pastoral regions, along with fellow local RFC Darren Longbottom.

Ms Reichstein has previously worked as an ag consultant and trainer, as well as in business transition and succession planning organisation Next Rural and as a Landmark agronomist.

Mr Erkelenz has previously worked as a jackaroo in the North West Pastoral region, before going on to work in range of advisory, consulting and project management roles, primarily focusing on farm business and natural resources management.

The appointments take the number of RFCs supporting rural businesses in SA and NT to 16 compared to 12 at the same time last year.

The two additional contingency roles are being funded under the federal government's recently announced Drought Relief Package.

RBS chief executive officer Brett Smith said recent adverse events including drought, frost and hail storms had taken a heavy toll on many farming families, but talking with a rural financial counsellor could often help people to find a way through.

"Whether it's looking at financial assistance including the Farm Household Allowance and drought payments that can tide a household over until income levels improve, exploring new loan options through the Regional Investment Corporation, or business transfer or exit plans, these are just some of the ways our team can lead farming families through making the decisions that need to be made," Mr Smith said.

"For anyone in any type of business who's under pressure financially and mentally, it can be tough to see their way forward.

"Throw in the daily demands of running a farm business and it can be a big ask for families to find what it takes to step back and ask for help.

"Our experienced RFCs can sit down with families at their kitchen tables, throw around some suggestions and perhaps provide a bit of clarity during what may otherwise seem a pretty uncertain and overwhelming time."

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Mr Smith said that aside from "the business stuff", it was important for those in rural communities to take stock of where they're at with managing their health and wellbeing.

"We'd encourage farmers to look out for themselves, their family and their neighbours," he said.

"If you feel like you're not coping, get in to see your local GP or contact the Regional Access Network - it's a free counselling service for people living in regional SA.

"Another useful, free and farmer-specific resource is www.ifarmwell.com.au.

"There's a range of support services available and our common denominator is that we're all here to help."

Supported by the Australian government and governments of SA and the NT, RBS is presently supporting more than 500 farmers and rural related businesses across SA and NT.