AN additional four rural financial counsellors have recently started working with bushfire-affected communities in Mayo.
The extra $1 million for the counsellors was secured for the electorate as part of a $10m expansion of financial support services for bushfire regions across Australia, and was advocated for by local federal MP Rebekha Sharkie.
"In the aftermath of the fires it soon became apparent from talking to farmers and small businesses that our community was desperate for specialised advice and the state and federal governments needed to ramp up the business support services already being offered to drought-affected areas," Ms Sharkie said.
"That support included general business advice but did not include counsellors who could directly assist farmers and small businesses recovering from bushfire.
"I am pleased that after I approached Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston about the need here in Mayo, she acknowledged the situation and allocated the funding needed for two financial counsellors for the Adelaide Hills and two for Kangaroo Island.
The counsellors will be available free of charge not only for primary producers, but also to assist local businesses with financial planning, mentoring and coaching.
"This week I met with representatives from Rural Business Support to discuss their work in the community," Ms Sharkie said.
"They advised me that drought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 restrictions have presented businesses with significant challenges.
"They are urging farmers and business owners to seek advice sooner rather than later so problems do not escalate."
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