Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc.
2014-2015 Annual Report
Reg. No. A0005536N ABN 70 870 481 312 139 Lime Avenue PO Box 2824 Mildura Vic 3500 T 03 5022 0799 F 03 5022 0599 [email protected]
All enquiries: 1300 769 489 www.sunrcs.com.au
Supported by the Australian Government and the Victorian Government
ANNUAL REPORT 2014 -‐2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Acknowledgements
The Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc. wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank the following organizations for their funding, contributions and support during the 2014/15 financial year:
Funding
Department of Agriculture
o Australian Government funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Murray Mallee Program th o 25 Anniversary Landcare Grant - Wentworth Shire : Building on the strength of rural women
Department of Environment & Primary Industries
o Victorian Government funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Murray Mallee Program o Victorian Government funding for the employment of a 0.5 FTE Senior Rural Financial Counsellor Co-ordinator
Department of Industry & Science - AusIndustry
o Australian Government funding for the Australian Small Business Advisory Services Program
Mildura Rural City Council
o Community Partnership Grant 2014-16: Linking rural older people to community through technology – small towns Years 2 & 3 o Community Project Grant 2014 – Developing Sustainable Business Options Workshop
Donations / In-kind Contributions
Chan & Naylor Mildura o Provision of audit services for Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc. Department of Environment & Primary Industries – Mildura o Use of meeting rooms Sunbeam Foods Wakool Shire Council o Cash Donation Wentworth District Capital Limited Wentworth Shire Council o Event Sponsorship – Small Business Bootcamp
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Contents
Page
Organizational Overview ...... 2 - 4
Organizational Structure ...... 5
Staff ...... 6
Chair’s Report ...... 7 - 8
Board ...... 9 - 11
Executive Officer’s Report ...... 12 - 13
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook ...... 14 – 20 Wellbeing ...... 21 Water ...... 22
Performance – Year in Review
Progress Against Our Communication Plan ...... 23 – 24 Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Service Program ...... 25 – 31 Rural Support Program ...... 29 - 31 Small Business Advisory Services Program ...... 32 Australian Small Business Advisory Services Program ...... 33
Special Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2015 ...... 34
Committee’s Report ...... 35 Statement of Profit or Loss ...... 36 Statement of Financial Position ...... 37 Statement of Changes in Equity ...... 38 Statement of Cash Flows ...... 39 Notes to the Financial Statements ...... 40 - 45 Statement by Members of the Committee ...... 46 Independent Audit Report ...... 47 - 48
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Organizational Overview Organizational Overview
Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc., trading as Rural Financial Counselling Service Primary Service – What We Assist Clients With Victoria – Murray Mallee (RFCS Victoria - Murray Mallee), is an independent, confidential and cost free service for: RFCS Victoria – Murray Mallee provides an independent, confidential and cost free service providing information and support in the following areas: Some 2,400 horticulture properties in the irrigated areas along the Murray River from the South Australian border to the Swan Hill area; Assessing current financial situation;
Mallee farmers in dryland areas extending from the South Australian border Preparing financial projections for banks and funding agencies; to Werrimull, Ouyen, Hopetoun, Rainbow, Murrayville, Sea Lake, Wycheproof, Birchip and Donald areas. Developing an Enterprise Action Plan;
Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc. has been successfully assisting primary Investigating and reviewing options; producers for the past 30 years since it was formed in 1984 as a result of a public meeting following a downturn in the dried vine fruit industry. There have been name Reviewing contracts with lending institutions; changes, funding changes and amalgamation of Services along the way, however, the primary objective of assisting primary producers in need, has never changed. Communicating and negotiating with lenders and creditors; More recently, the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) program and the development of our Rural Support Program have complemented service delivery to our Guidance in the purchase of new/additional property, or the sale of rural communities. property;
Information and assistance with accessing Government assistance; Vision Assisting with family decision making; To be the leader in the provision of information and support services to build resilient rural communities. Property viability assessments;
As required, providing referral to appropriate support services including Philosophy personal or family counselling;
To provide a community driven responsive service which is innovative, flexible and Information and referral for industry and technical advice; and accessible to those in need. Information and referral for education and training programs;
Motto Assisting with farm succession planning.
A succession plan can help farming families and farm businesses to Trust, Integrity and Empathy successfully manage anticipated and unforeseen circumstances. Our Rural Financial Counsellors can play an integral role in the succession planning process.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Organizational Overview Organizational Overview
Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc., trading as Rural Financial Counselling Service Primary Service – What We Assist Clients With Victoria – Murray Mallee (RFCS Victoria - Murray Mallee), is an independent, confidential and cost free service for: RFCS Victoria – Murray Mallee provides an independent, confidential and cost free service providing information and support in the following areas: Some 2,400 horticulture properties in the irrigated areas along the Murray River from the South Australian border to the Swan Hill area; Assessing current financial situation;
Mallee farmers in dryland areas extending from the South Australian border Preparing financial projections for banks and funding agencies; to Werrimull, Ouyen, Hopetoun, Rainbow, Murrayville, Sea Lake, Wycheproof, Birchip and Donald areas. Developing an Enterprise Action Plan;
Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc. has been successfully assisting primary Investigating and reviewing options; producers for the past 30 years since it was formed in 1984 as a result of a public meeting following a downturn in the dried vine fruit industry. There have been name Reviewing contracts with lending institutions; changes, funding changes and amalgamation of Services along the way, however, the primary objective of assisting primary producers in need, has never changed. Communicating and negotiating with lenders and creditors; More recently, the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) program and the development of our Rural Support Program have complemented service delivery to our Guidance in the purchase of new/additional property, or the sale of rural communities. property;
Information and assistance with accessing Government assistance; Vision Assisting with family decision making; To be the leader in the provision of information and support services to build resilient rural communities. Property viability assessments;
As required, providing referral to appropriate support services including Philosophy personal or family counselling;
To provide a community driven responsive service which is innovative, flexible and Information and referral for industry and technical advice; and accessible to those in need. Information and referral for education and training programs;
Motto Assisting with farm succession planning.
A succession plan can help farming families and farm businesses to Trust, Integrity and Empathy successfully manage anticipated and unforeseen circumstances. Our Rural Financial Counsellors can play an integral role in the succession planning process.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Organizational Overview Organizational Structure Region Our office is located at: BOARD
Chair Mr Jack Forbes Ordinary Member Mr Howard Crothers Mildura All enquiries: 1300 769 489 Vice Chair Mrs Lyn Heaysman Ordinary Member Mr John Senior Secretary Mrs Margaret Thomson Ordinary Member Cr Leo Tellefson 139 Lime Avenue, Phone: (03) 5022 0799 Treasurer Mr Graeme Matotek Ordinary Member Mrs Kylie Zanker Mildura Vic 3500
Fax: (03) 5022 0599 PO Box 2824, Email: [email protected] Mildura Vic 3502 COMMITTEES EXECUTIVE OFFICER www.sunrcs.com.au Patrick Timmons
AUDIT & RISK Our rural financial counsellors cover the Murray Mallee region of North-West Victoria.
FINANCE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Lorraine Argus
GOVERNANCE
ADMINISTRATION Joan Polwarth
Heather Young SENIOR RURAL FINANCIAL Dot Fletcher (to 29/8/14) COUNSELLOR CO-ORDINATOR Stephanie Ferdelja
RURAL FINANCIAL SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELLORS PROGRAM MANAGER Sue Rudd
Mildura Stephanie Ferdelja Ashley Kuhl John Sheehy
George Stone RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS David Talbot PROJECT OFFICER Swan Hill Teresa O’Brien Dianne Johnstone
Woomelang John Byrne (Resigned 30/6/15)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Organizational Overview Organizational Structure Region Our office is located at: BOARD
Chair Mr Jack Forbes Ordinary Member Mr Howard Crothers Mildura All enquiries: 1300 769 489 Vice Chair Mrs Lyn Heaysman Ordinary Member Mr John Senior Secretary Mrs Margaret Thomson Ordinary Member Cr Leo Tellefson 139 Lime Avenue, Phone: (03) 5022 0799 Treasurer Mr Graeme Matotek Ordinary Member Mrs Kylie Zanker Mildura Vic 3500
Fax: (03) 5022 0599 PO Box 2824, Email: [email protected] Mildura Vic 3502 COMMITTEES EXECUTIVE OFFICER www.sunrcs.com.au Patrick Timmons
AUDIT & RISK Our rural financial counsellors cover the Murray Mallee region of North-West Victoria.
FINANCE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Lorraine Argus
GOVERNANCE
ADMINISTRATION Joan Polwarth
Heather Young SENIOR RURAL FINANCIAL Dot Fletcher (to 29/8/14) COUNSELLOR CO-ORDINATOR Stephanie Ferdelja
RURAL FINANCIAL SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELLORS PROGRAM MANAGER Sue Rudd
Mildura Stephanie Ferdelja Ashley Kuhl John Sheehy
George Stone RURAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS David Talbot PROJECT OFFICER Swan Hill Teresa O’Brien Dianne Johnstone
Woomelang John Byrne (Resigned 30/6/15)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Staff Staff Chair’s Report Staff The Mallee and Sunraysia economy has continued to struggle through 2014-15. Depressed property prices in the irrigated areas and tighter lending conditions continue to make exit or redevelopment of horticulture farm ventures difficult. Thankfully, lower Patrick Timmons interest rates remain in place, although the overall debt burden for many continues to Patrick Timmons Executive Officer StephanieStephanie Ferdelja Ferdelja Executive Officer grow. SeniorSenior RFC RFC Co-ordinator-‐ Co ordinator & & Patrick Timmons RuralRural Financial Financial Counsellor Counsellor The areas of most concern for our counsellors are the Southern Mallee and the Stephanie Ferdelja Executive Officer Wimmera regions which are facing a second very poor season, and the winery sector Senior RFC -‐ Co ordinator & Rural Financial Counsellor where prospects look very bleak. The big unknown is the impact of the El Nino weather John Byrne pattern on both broadacre farming areas and the water availability for irrigation Rural John Financial Byrne Counsellor farmers. Water prices are expected to increase significantly and will impact on the RuralMallee Financial (Resigned Counsellor 30/6/15) George Stone Mallee (ResignedJohn Byrne 30/6/15) viability of farming businesses. Hopefully the signing of government trade agreements George Stone Rural Financial Counsellor Rural Financial Counsellor and a significant fall in the Australian Dollar will facilitate the provision of profitable Rural Financial Counsellor Mallee (Resigned 30/6/15) markets for many of our producers. George Stone Rural Financial Counsellor There have been several highlights throughout the year, including the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) Report and the government’s support for the continued funding Teresa O’Brien of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS). A personal highlight was Murray David Talbot Rural Teresa Financial O’Brien Counsellor Mallee’s hosting of the National RFCS Meeting in February 2015 and the attendance at Rural David Financial Talbot Counsellor Rural FinancialSwan Counsellor Hill Rural Financial Counsellor Teresa O’Brien that meeting of Minister Barnaby Joyce. The government’s understanding of the need David Talbot Swan Hill Rural Financial Counsellor for rural financial counselling and their ongoing support, in a difficult fiscal environment, Rural Financial Counsellor Swan Hill is very gratifying.
Another highlight was the continued funding by Department of Industry & Science of the Dot Fletcher AdminDot Assistant Fletcher Swan Hill Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) program. This significantly Ashley Kuhl Admin Assistant(to 29/8/14) Swan Hill enhances our capacity to support and strengthen small business ventures across our Rural FinancialAshley Counsellor Kuhl (toDot 29/8/14) Fletcher region. I wish to thank Program Manager, Sue Rudd, and her team for their hard work, Rural Financial Counsellor Admin Assistant Swan Hill (to 29/8/14) support and insight into this part of our operation. Ashley Kuhl
Rural Financial Counsellor The most important issue we face in 2015-16 is the tender for the provision of Rural
Financial Counselling Services in coming years. A lot of preparation has been carried out and we expect the tender to be open in August/September 2015. Over the last two Lorraine Argus Sue Rudd years we have ensured that staff are aware of this process and, whilst we remain Executive Lorraine Argus Assistant Small Sue Rudd Business Executive Assistant optimistic, the results of any tender process are always unknown. Program Manager Lorraine Argus SmallSue Business Rudd Executive Assistant ProgramSmall Manager Business The Board’s focus has been on strategic planning, governance and risk management. Program Manager We hosted a “Masterclass on Strategic Governance” workshop for our own Board members as well as for other local community organizations. This aspect of our work is John Sheehy Joan Polwarth critically important to our commitment to support and build a more resilient local Joan Polwarth Rural Dianne Financial Johnstone Counsellor Admin Officer community. Project Officer Admin Officer John Sheehy Joan Polwarth Rural Support Program Rural Financial Counsellor Admin Officer I wish to thank and acknowledge the ongoing support of the Australian Government through the Department of Agriculture and Department of Industry & Science; the
Victorian Government through the Department of Environment & Primary Industries; Mildura Rural City Council; and other local authorities and organizations who have Heather Young Dianne Johnstone Admin Assistant supported the Service during 2014-15 financial year. Project Officer Heather Young Rural Support Program Admin Assistant Dianne Johnstone Project Officer Heather Young Admin Assistant Rural Support Program 6 7
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Staff Chair’s Report
The Mallee and Sunraysia economy has continued to struggle through 2014-15. Depressed property prices in the irrigated areas and tighter lending conditions continue to make exit or redevelopment of horticulture farm ventures difficult. Thankfully, lower Patrick Timmons interest rates remain in place, although the overall debt burden for many continues to Executive Officer Stephanie Ferdelja grow. Senior RFC Co-ordinator & Rural Financial Counsellor The areas of most concern for our counsellors are the Southern Mallee and the Wimmera regions which are facing a second very poor season, and the winery sector where prospects look very bleak. The big unknown is the impact of the El Nino weather pattern on both broadacre farming areas and the water availability for irrigation John Byrne farmers. Water prices are expected to increase significantly and will impact on the Rural Financial Counsellor George Stone Mallee (Resigned 30/6/15) viability of farming businesses. Hopefully the signing of government trade agreements Rural Financial Counsellor and a significant fall in the Australian Dollar will facilitate the provision of profitable markets for many of our producers.
There have been several highlights throughout the year, including the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) Report and the government’s support for the continued funding of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS). A personal highlight was Murray David Talbot Teresa O’Brien Mallee’s hosting of the National RFCS Meeting in February 2015 and the attendance at Rural Financial Counsellor Rural Financial Counsellor that meeting of Minister Barnaby Joyce. The government’s understanding of the need Swan Hill for rural financial counselling and their ongoing support, in a difficult fiscal environment, is very gratifying. Another highlight was the continued funding by Department of Industry & Science of the Dot Fletcher Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) program. This significantly Ashley Kuhl Admin Assistant Swan Hill enhances our capacity to support and strengthen small business ventures across our Rural Financial Counsellor (to 29/8/14) region. I wish to thank Program Manager, Sue Rudd, and her team for their hard work, support and insight into this part of our operation.
The most important issue we face in 2015-16 is the tender for the provision of Rural Financial Counselling Services in coming years. A lot of preparation has been carried out and we expect the tender to be open in August/September 2015. Over the last two Lorraine Argus years we have ensured that staff are aware of this process and, whilst we remain Sue Rudd Executive Assistant optimistic, the results of any tender process are always unknown. Small Business Program Manager The Board’s focus has been on strategic planning, governance and risk management. We hosted a “Masterclass on Strategic Governance” workshop for our own Board members as well as for other local community organizations. This aspect of our work is critically important to our commitment to support and build a more resilient local Joan Polwarth Dianne Johnstone community. Project Officer Admin Officer Rural Support Program I wish to thank and acknowledge the ongoing support of the Australian Government through the Department of Agriculture and Department of Industry & Science; the Victorian Government through the Department of Environment & Primary Industries; Mildura Rural City Council; and other local authorities and organizations who have Heather Young Admin Assistant supported the Service during 2014-15 financial year.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Chair’s Report Board
I’m very fortunate to be supported by a very loyal, knowledgeable and insightful Board and Sub-Committee members. Their support and assistance has been really appreciated. I am sure our communities are better placed because of their input. Jack Forbes – Chair Appointed 09/09/1985 As you all know, we have a very loyal and talented group of staff. I wish to thank each of them for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm. The Service is well regarded A long standing Committee Member since 1985, Jack was elected to the position of Chairperson in 2008. A farming and has significant capacity to assist our communities because of their collective input. family background has motivated a long term involvement in rural and farm related issues. Jack’s skills and expertise in succession planning, retirement planning and aged care issues, superannuation, government assistance programs and Our Rural Financial Counsellor in the Mallee, John Byrne, has announced his retirement. rural financial issues have been developed in his role as a Financial Information Service Officer with Centrelink in We all wish him well, thank him for his work over many years, and wish him a long, Mildura. Jack has undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and has completed financial planning and accounting course segments. Jack is now semi-retired and working part-time as a financial planner. He has happy golfing retirement. a long term interest in seeing rural Australia grow and flourish.
At a personal level and on behalf of the Board, I wish to thank our Executive Assistant,
Lorraine Argus, and our Executive Officer, Patrick Timmons. They have both worked tirelessly throughout the year and their input is much appreciated.
Finally, in September 2014, we celebrated the Service’s 30 year anniversary with a Lyn Heaysman – Vice Chair dinner and the recall of early days. It was an absolute delight to portray the early Appointed 08/09/1998 history of the Service and the struggles that have formed it over the years, and reminisce with past members and supporters of rural financial counselling. Lyn’s interest in agriculture stems from 21 years of owning a family vineyard in Sunraysia. During those years Lyn held several positions on the Australian Dried Fruits Association Board. She was also invited to be a Director of the Victorian Dried Fruits Board, a position she held for 10 years. Lyn has been a committee member since 1998, holding the position of Chair for 9 years to 2008. She has been self-employed in her financial planning business for over 13 years. Lyn’s qualifications include a Diploma in Financial Planning and Certificate in Business Accounting and she has undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Lyn has been delighted to see a concept born from local community need to look after farmers in financial difficulty.
Margaret Thomson – Secretary Appointed 15/10/2009 A.J. (Jack) Forbes Marg has served as a councillor of the Shire of Wentworth for 10 years up until 2012, including 5 years as Mayor. She Chairperson currently serves on the Board of Management (and Treasurer) of the Wentworth Community Bank, Board Member of Regional Development Australia – Murray, Board of Management of Mallee Family Care and Management Committee (Vice President) of Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. Marg is a citrus grower at Curlwaa and has also owned and operated a commercial citrus tree nursery.
Graeme Matotek - Treasurer Appointed 14/09/1999
Graeme’s involvement in the dried vine fruits industry has seen him gain an insight into the horticultural industry in Sunraysia. He is an active member of the Australian Dried Fruits Association and has undertaken various industry education programs to further enhance his knowledge of the industry. Involved in various community groups, Graeme is a member of the State Emergency Service and the Irymple School Council. He has completed a Horticultural Apprenticeship, Diploma in Financial Planning, Certificate III in Engineering and undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Chair’s Report Board
I’m very fortunate to be supported by a very loyal, knowledgeable and insightful Board and Sub-Committee members. Their support and assistance has been really appreciated. I am sure our communities are better placed because of their input. Jack Forbes – Chair Appointed 09/09/1985 As you all know, we have a very loyal and talented group of staff. I wish to thank each of them for their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm. The Service is well regarded A long standing Committee Member since 1985, Jack was elected to the position of Chairperson in 2008. A farming and has significant capacity to assist our communities because of their collective input. family background has motivated a long term involvement in rural and farm related issues. Jack’s skills and expertise in succession planning, retirement planning and aged care issues, superannuation, government assistance programs and Our Rural Financial Counsellor in the Mallee, John Byrne, has announced his retirement. rural financial issues have been developed in his role as a Financial Information Service Officer with Centrelink in We all wish him well, thank him for his work over many years, and wish him a long, Mildura. Jack has undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and has completed financial planning and accounting course segments. Jack is now semi-retired and working part-time as a financial planner. He has happy golfing retirement. a long term interest in seeing rural Australia grow and flourish.
At a personal level and on behalf of the Board, I wish to thank our Executive Assistant,
Lorraine Argus, and our Executive Officer, Patrick Timmons. They have both worked tirelessly throughout the year and their input is much appreciated.
Finally, in September 2014, we celebrated the Service’s 30 year anniversary with a Lyn Heaysman – Vice Chair dinner and the recall of early days. It was an absolute delight to portray the early Appointed 08/09/1998 history of the Service and the struggles that have formed it over the years, and reminisce with past members and supporters of rural financial counselling. Lyn’s interest in agriculture stems from 21 years of owning a family vineyard in Sunraysia. During those years Lyn held several positions on the Australian Dried Fruits Association Board. She was also invited to be a Director of the Victorian Dried Fruits Board, a position she held for 10 years. Lyn has been a committee member since 1998, holding the position of Chair for 9 years to 2008. She has been self-employed in her financial planning business for over 13 years. Lyn’s qualifications include a Diploma in Financial Planning and Certificate in Business Accounting and she has undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Lyn has been delighted to see a concept born from local community need to look after farmers in financial difficulty.
Margaret Thomson – Secretary Appointed 15/10/2009 A.J. (Jack) Forbes Marg has served as a councillor of the Shire of Wentworth for 10 years up until 2012, including 5 years as Mayor. She Chairperson currently serves on the Board of Management (and Treasurer) of the Wentworth Community Bank, Board Member of Regional Development Australia – Murray, Board of Management of Mallee Family Care and Management Committee (Vice President) of Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. Marg is a citrus grower at Curlwaa and has also owned and operated a commercial citrus tree nursery.
Graeme Matotek - Treasurer Appointed 14/09/1999
Graeme’s involvement in the dried vine fruits industry has seen him gain an insight into the horticultural industry in Sunraysia. He is an active member of the Australian Dried Fruits Association and has undertaken various industry education programs to further enhance his knowledge of the industry. Involved in various community groups, Graeme is a member of the State Emergency Service and the Irymple School Council. He has completed a Horticultural Apprenticeship, Diploma in Financial Planning, Certificate III in Engineering and undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Board Board
Howard Crothers – Ordinary Member The Board meet each quarter and the Governance Committee bi-annually. The Finance Appointed 25/09/2008 Committee meet quarterly and on an as required basis. The Audit & Risk Committee
meet at least bi-annually (more frequently if required) and comprises two Board Howard has been a Mallee farmer for over 45 years and is very well credentialed to represent the dryland farming communities in the Mallee. Howard witnessed a friend’s experience with an RFC and this initiated his interest and members and two external independent persons of appropriate standing and involvement in the former Mallee Rural Counselling Service in 1996. He chaired that Service from 2003 until his appointment to this Service. Howard is Chair of the Mallee Consultancy Group and is a Board Member of Mallee Track professional experience, one of whom chairs the Committee. Health & Community Service. Howard served 20 years as a Board Member of the Underbool Bush Nursing Centre, was a Councillor and Shire President of the Shire of Walpeup, was a Councillor and Mayor of the Mildura Rural City Council, and Attendances for meetings held in 2014-15 are listed below. held positions in the Underbool Progress Group, Underbool Branch of the VFF, and is a life member of the Mallee Football League.
Governance Finance Audit & Risk Board Committee Committee Committee Member Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Attend Attend Attend Attend to to to to ed ed ed ed John Senior – Ordinary Member Attend Attend Attend Attend Appointed 25/09/2008 Jack Forbes (Chair) 4 4 4 4
John has extensive experience in the management of small and medium enterprises, has been a member of boards of Graeme Matotek 4 3 4 3 management in the business services and aged care sector for over ten years and is currently in employ as an Executive in Lyn Heaysman 4 3 4 4 1 1 the Government funded health and community sector. John has a continuing interest in quality assurance and a commitment to the delivery of services in support of health and wellbeing in remote and rural areas of Australia. His John Senior 4 3 1 0 qualifications include a Certificate in Management Services and a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies. John is a Howard Crothers 4 2 Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Margaret Thomson 4 4 2 2
Leo Tellefson 4 4 2 2
Kylie Zanker 4 3 2 2 Co-opted Members of the Audit & Risk Committee: Leo Tellefson – Ordinary Member Ian Ballantyne (Chair) 1 1 Appointed 22/11/12 Russell Witcombe 1 1
Leo has a 400 hectare farm and is a part-time farmer, musician and almost full-time Councillor for the Buloke Shire. He is currently Deputy Mayor of Buloke Shire and proud of the Shire which he feels has progressed far ahead of some of its peers in relation to the environment and community and government involvement. His role with the Shire includes chair of and delegate to the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance and the Municipal Association of Victoria – Rural Councils Victoria Committee which looks after Small Towns Victoria. He is involved in Landcare, St Mary’s Parish, Friends of Mount Jeffcott, Donald 2000 and the East Wimmera Health Services Board. He is also currently in the group reviewing the Regional Catchment Strategy for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. Leo is concerned about climate change and the subsequent land use change that will affect rural communities as farming practices alter and how Shires and towns must adjust.
Kylie Zanker – Ordinary Member Appointed 21/3/13
Kylie has been a councillor with the Yarriambiack Shire Council since September 2009. She was elected Mayor in October 2011 and served two terms. Her special interest lies with children, youth and community-minded projects. She is a qualified Early Childhood Years teacher and her past employment includes teaching and co-ordination within early childhood years programs and university lecturing in the area of social sciences. More recently she has worked part-time with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation within the Gamblers Help Program. Current committees she is involved with include: chair of Volunteering Western Victoria, board member of the Regional Library Corporation, committee member of the Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House, president of the Warracknabeal Swimming Club, committee member of the Transport Connections steering committee, member of the Warracknabeal Arts Council and committee member of Yarrilinks. Kylie is passionate, dedicated and immersed within community organizations and her aim is to build capacity, confidence, resilience and ability within stakeholder groups.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Board Board
Howard Crothers – Ordinary Member The Board meet each quarter and the Governance Committee bi-annually. The Finance Appointed 25/09/2008 Committee meet quarterly and on an as required basis. The Audit & Risk Committee
meet at least bi-annually (more frequently if required) and comprises two Board Howard has been a Mallee farmer for over 45 years and is very well credentialed to represent the dryland farming communities in the Mallee. Howard witnessed a friend’s experience with an RFC and this initiated his interest and members and two external independent persons of appropriate standing and involvement in the former Mallee Rural Counselling Service in 1996. He chaired that Service from 2003 until his appointment to this Service. Howard is Chair of the Mallee Consultancy Group and is a Board Member of Mallee Track professional experience, one of whom chairs the Committee. Health & Community Service. Howard served 20 years as a Board Member of the Underbool Bush Nursing Centre, was a Councillor and Shire President of the Shire of Walpeup, was a Councillor and Mayor of the Mildura Rural City Council, and Attendances for meetings held in 2014-15 are listed below. held positions in the Underbool Progress Group, Underbool Branch of the VFF, and is a life member of the Mallee Football League.
Governance Finance Audit & Risk Board Committee Committee Committee Member Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Attend Attend Attend Attend to to to to ed ed ed ed John Senior – Ordinary Member Attend Attend Attend Attend Appointed 25/09/2008 Jack Forbes (Chair) 4 4 4 4
John has extensive experience in the management of small and medium enterprises, has been a member of boards of Graeme Matotek 4 3 4 3 management in the business services and aged care sector for over ten years and is currently in employ as an Executive in Lyn Heaysman 4 3 4 4 1 1 the Government funded health and community sector. John has a continuing interest in quality assurance and a commitment to the delivery of services in support of health and wellbeing in remote and rural areas of Australia. His John Senior 4 3 1 0 qualifications include a Certificate in Management Services and a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies. John is a Howard Crothers 4 2 Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Margaret Thomson 4 4 2 2
Leo Tellefson 4 4 2 2
Kylie Zanker 4 3 2 2 Co-opted Members of the Audit & Risk Committee: Leo Tellefson – Ordinary Member Ian Ballantyne (Chair) 1 1 Appointed 22/11/12 Russell Witcombe 1 1
Leo has a 400 hectare farm and is a part-time farmer, musician and almost full-time Councillor for the Buloke Shire. He is currently Deputy Mayor of Buloke Shire and proud of the Shire which he feels has progressed far ahead of some of its peers in relation to the environment and community and government involvement. His role with the Shire includes chair of and delegate to the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance and the Municipal Association of Victoria – Rural Councils Victoria Committee which looks after Small Towns Victoria. He is involved in Landcare, St Mary’s Parish, Friends of Mount Jeffcott, Donald 2000 and the East Wimmera Health Services Board. He is also currently in the group reviewing the Regional Catchment Strategy for the North Central Catchment Management Authority. Leo is concerned about climate change and the subsequent land use change that will affect rural communities as farming practices alter and how Shires and towns must adjust.
Kylie Zanker – Ordinary Member Appointed 21/3/13
Kylie has been a councillor with the Yarriambiack Shire Council since September 2009. She was elected Mayor in October 2011 and served two terms. Her special interest lies with children, youth and community-minded projects. She is a qualified Early Childhood Years teacher and her past employment includes teaching and co-ordination within early childhood years programs and university lecturing in the area of social sciences. More recently she has worked part-time with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation within the Gamblers Help Program. Current committees she is involved with include: chair of Volunteering Western Victoria, board member of the Regional Library Corporation, committee member of the Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House, president of the Warracknabeal Swimming Club, committee member of the Transport Connections steering committee, member of the Warracknabeal Arts Council and committee member of Yarrilinks. Kylie is passionate, dedicated and immersed within community organizations and her aim is to build capacity, confidence, resilience and ability within stakeholder groups.
10 11
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Executive Officer’s Report Executive Officer’s Report
In 2014 – 2015, Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service (SunRCS) has achieved a great I thank my Chair, Jack Forbes, who has done an exceptional job for our organization on deal in terms of professional growth for staff and organizational maturity in a climate of several platforms; locally, state-wide and nationally. His availability, commitment and multiple challenges and changes. We have refreshed our badging and our focus; leadership on the variety of issues associated at each of those platforms has been consolidated our governance structures and strategic directions and continued to pivotal and strategic, and always in the interests of our client group in the Murray sharpen our approach to provide efficient and effective service delivery. Mallee region - very much appreciated by myself and my team. We look forward to continuing our role in supporting our farmers and their farming enterprises, and In September 2014, we were able to celebrate 30 years of the Rural Financial assisting in BUILDING RESILIENT RURAL COMMUNITIES. Counselling Service in the Murray Mallee region, and had significant participation by past contributors, supporters and volunteers in our celebrations.
At the commencement of the 2014-15 financial year the Rural Financial Counsellors (RFC) and our administration team were in full flight assisting a high-volume of clients with Farm Household Allowance applications. We assisted in over 200 applications and continue to work with Centrelink and the Farm Household Case Officers with new applications and ongoing joint case management.
We acknowledge the good work of John Byrne who retired at the end of the 2014-15 financial year after approximately 8 years of service. John provided a much valued RFC presence in the Southern Mallee, based at our Woomelang office. We wish him well in Patrick Timmons his retirement. Executive Officer We certainly anticipate more changes for the RFCS program into 2016 as a result of the next RFCS tender. I believe our organization and our people are well placed to ensure any restructuring or refocusing of service delivery will result in continued professional support for our farmers and their families, and we will continue to work closely with our Commonwealth and State funders to safeguard the changing fortunes of a substantial number of our farming communities.
In the advent of our successful tender for Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) funding, we have been able to plan and schedule our Help4SmallBusiness activities of training and workshops across most of the three-year funding period, and have already been able to provide additional opportunities in neighbouring Shires – exceeding the requirements of the program when we can.
Our Rural Support Program has provided a variety of small project activities and, like the digital device training funded by Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) - ’Linking older rural people to community through technology’; they often compliment the endeavours of both the ASBAS and RFCS programs.
Congratulations go to the internal audit team who have progressed our TQCSI ISO accreditation into its second year of compliance, maintaining a high standard of accountability on behalf of all of us, and thanks to my leadership group who managed that effort.
12 13
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Executive Officer’s Report Executive Officer’s Report
In 2014 – 2015, Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service (SunRCS) has achieved a great I thank my Chair, Jack Forbes, who has done an exceptional job for our organization on deal in terms of professional growth for staff and organizational maturity in a climate of several platforms; locally, state-wide and nationally. His availability, commitment and multiple challenges and changes. We have refreshed our badging and our focus; leadership on the variety of issues associated at each of those platforms has been consolidated our governance structures and strategic directions and continued to pivotal and strategic, and always in the interests of our client group in the Murray sharpen our approach to provide efficient and effective service delivery. Mallee region - very much appreciated by myself and my team. We look forward to continuing our role in supporting our farmers and their farming enterprises, and In September 2014, we were able to celebrate 30 years of the Rural Financial assisting in BUILDING RESILIENT RURAL COMMUNITIES. Counselling Service in the Murray Mallee region, and had significant participation by past contributors, supporters and volunteers in our celebrations.
At the commencement of the 2014-15 financial year the Rural Financial Counsellors (RFC) and our administration team were in full flight assisting a high-volume of clients with Farm Household Allowance applications. We assisted in over 200 applications and continue to work with Centrelink and the Farm Household Case Officers with new applications and ongoing joint case management.
We acknowledge the good work of John Byrne who retired at the end of the 2014-15 financial year after approximately 8 years of service. John provided a much valued RFC presence in the Southern Mallee, based at our Woomelang office. We wish him well in Patrick Timmons his retirement. Executive Officer We certainly anticipate more changes for the RFCS program into 2016 as a result of the next RFCS tender. I believe our organization and our people are well placed to ensure any restructuring or refocusing of service delivery will result in continued professional support for our farmers and their families, and we will continue to work closely with our Commonwealth and State funders to safeguard the changing fortunes of a substantial number of our farming communities.
In the advent of our successful tender for Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) funding, we have been able to plan and schedule our Help4SmallBusiness activities of training and workshops across most of the three-year funding period, and have already been able to provide additional opportunities in neighbouring Shires – exceeding the requirements of the program when we can.
Our Rural Support Program has provided a variety of small project activities and, like the digital device training funded by Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) - ’Linking older rural people to community through technology’; they often compliment the endeavours of both the ASBAS and RFCS programs.
Congratulations go to the internal audit team who have progressed our TQCSI ISO accreditation into its second year of compliance, maintaining a high standard of accountability on behalf of all of us, and thanks to my leadership group who managed that effort.
12 13
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Industry Overview & Outlook
What the 2014/15 year delivered for our clients depended largely on the enterprises Broadacre Farming & Livestock they were involved in and their geographic location. Circumstances for producers in some industries improved while they worsened in others. In agriculture nothing is (By Ashley Kuhl) certain. This is the year as reported by our team of Rural Financial Counsellors. The 2014/15 season saw crops across the Millewa Almonds region diminish from a high potential to around average yields - potentially better results were (By David Talbot) hampered by consecutive frosty conditions during August. 2014/15 saw Almonds become the most valuable horticultural export product in Australia with sales of $422M, representing an increase of 14% on last season. This is Further south a dream start was followed by a growing season with fewer rain events of significant locally as Sunraysia remains the almond producing region nationally by generally smaller amounts of rain. Some crops relied on under 5ml at a time, ending plantings with over 67% of the total orchard area. The Nonpareil (50.5%) and Carmel the growing season with less than 25ml. Below average yields prevailed. Legumes (31.6%) varieties dominate local plantings. were frost affected while bug infestation impacted canola yields.
Given Almonds take three years to bear a crop and seven years for full production and Grain stored beyond the season was subject to reduced prices as 2015 wore on. The with 3.6% of plantings not yet bearing fruit and 12% of trees not in full production, the more competitive $AUD is important to the price of export grain. outlook for production approaches 83,000 in the next few years, regardless of any future plantings. Despite the tough season farms continue to sell. Properties changed hands in the The a dramatic fall in the $AUD, has improved the return to Australian growers Northern Mallee have mainly sold to locals, with minimal investment from outside the dramatically, from around $8 per kg last season to above $11 per kg in 2015. The long region. In spite of industry issues, Central Mallee prices have been buoyant as farmers drought in California has contributed to the better export price for Australian product. seek economies of scale. India remains as the largest export market for Australian product, where it is mostly sold in shell. Spain and USA are the largest markets for the kernel product with United Running ewes and lambs remains a viable form of diversity for many long term farmers, Arab Emirates increasing demand substantially. with strong demand for Mallee Lambs. Cattle prices have been excellent in the latter part of the period also. Local growers report good yields and returns from the current season’s crop. Subject to the $AUD remaining stable the industry peak body predicts more positive seasons Farm Household Allowance continues to be taken up by producers. High input costs and ahead. Some of our clients are planting almond trees. The cost of trees, farm debt levels mean that better seasons are required more often for farm profitability. redevelopment and specialised equipment is a significant barrier to entry to the Eligibility for Drought Loans was limited in the northern parts of our region though there industry, particularly for smaller orchards. was quite a lot of interest in the scheme further south. The area is currently subject to el Nino weather conditions which somewhat increases the odds of a drier than usual end to the season.
Citrus
(By David Talbot)
The start of our mandarin harvest was marred by downward price pressure, triggered by an oversupply of late fruit from a large Queensland producer. Most growers netted around half the return from mandarins that they received the previous year, at approximately $500 per tonne.
14 15
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Industry Overview & Outlook
What the 2014/15 year delivered for our clients depended largely on the enterprises Broadacre Farming & Livestock they were involved in and their geographic location. Circumstances for producers in some industries improved while they worsened in others. In agriculture nothing is (By Ashley Kuhl) certain. This is the year as reported by our team of Rural Financial Counsellors. The 2014/15 season saw crops across the Millewa Almonds region diminish from a high potential to around average yields - potentially better results were (By David Talbot) hampered by consecutive frosty conditions during August. 2014/15 saw Almonds become the most valuable horticultural export product in Australia with sales of $422M, representing an increase of 14% on last season. This is Further south a dream start was followed by a growing season with fewer rain events of significant locally as Sunraysia remains the almond producing region nationally by generally smaller amounts of rain. Some crops relied on under 5ml at a time, ending plantings with over 67% of the total orchard area. The Nonpareil (50.5%) and Carmel the growing season with less than 25ml. Below average yields prevailed. Legumes (31.6%) varieties dominate local plantings. were frost affected while bug infestation impacted canola yields.
Given Almonds take three years to bear a crop and seven years for full production and Grain stored beyond the season was subject to reduced prices as 2015 wore on. The with 3.6% of plantings not yet bearing fruit and 12% of trees not in full production, the more competitive $AUD is important to the price of export grain. outlook for production approaches 83,000 in the next few years, regardless of any future plantings. Despite the tough season farms continue to sell. Properties changed hands in the The a dramatic fall in the $AUD, has improved the return to Australian growers Northern Mallee have mainly sold to locals, with minimal investment from outside the dramatically, from around $8 per kg last season to above $11 per kg in 2015. The long region. In spite of industry issues, Central Mallee prices have been buoyant as farmers drought in California has contributed to the better export price for Australian product. seek economies of scale. India remains as the largest export market for Australian product, where it is mostly sold in shell. Spain and USA are the largest markets for the kernel product with United Running ewes and lambs remains a viable form of diversity for many long term farmers, Arab Emirates increasing demand substantially. with strong demand for Mallee Lambs. Cattle prices have been excellent in the latter part of the period also. Local growers report good yields and returns from the current season’s crop. Subject to the $AUD remaining stable the industry peak body predicts more positive seasons Farm Household Allowance continues to be taken up by producers. High input costs and ahead. Some of our clients are planting almond trees. The cost of trees, farm debt levels mean that better seasons are required more often for farm profitability. redevelopment and specialised equipment is a significant barrier to entry to the Eligibility for Drought Loans was limited in the northern parts of our region though there industry, particularly for smaller orchards. was quite a lot of interest in the scheme further south. The area is currently subject to el Nino weather conditions which somewhat increases the odds of a drier than usual end to the season.
Citrus
(By David Talbot)
The start of our mandarin harvest was marred by downward price pressure, triggered by an oversupply of late fruit from a large Queensland producer. Most growers netted around half the return from mandarins that they received the previous year, at approximately $500 per tonne.
14 15
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Industry Overview & Outlook
The remaining crops, including early to late Navels were extremely good and better than The prices on export markets have been largely influenced by Turkey releasing a very expected, with good fruit sizings and clear skin, a result of no wind blemish. With large crop onto the market at discounted prices in an effort to sell their crop. between 70 and 80 percent of local product now exported to the emerging Chinese market, returns for growers on first grade fruit are in the $550-$600 per tonne region. The high quality of the Australian crop This is a significant and welcome increase from previous years. has enabled the crop to be sold in market segments where discounting is Prices have responded well to the devaluing $AUD. The devaluation against the not a major issue this year, although Japanese Yen recently has also helped export returns into Japan. there were some significant reductions to prices of lower grade fruit. Price Late mandarin and lemon prices have shown increases of approximately 8% were good returns also, however, the price outlook achieved on export markets for the for the coming Valencia crop is expected to be better quality fruit grades. around $120 per tonne, which is half of last year’s price. This is due to a large crop of small The dried vine fruit industry will benefit from the implementation of the recently fruit on the tree, which is generally sold to the announced Dried Vine Fruit Diversification and Sustainability Initiative. The program has juice market. been allocated $4.9M and aims to develop capacity in the industry to produce 1,500 tonnes of climate resistant sultana type grape varieties. Initially, fifteen to twenty Our citrus clients are optimistic about new markets being established into China and growers will be involved in the project. Funding has been sourced from State and industry representatives advise strong export demand for quality fruit from the region Federal governments, along with funds accessed from the dried vine fruit industry. should continue.
Stone Fruit Dried Grapes (By Teresa O’Brien)
(By George Stone) Smaller growers who have continued to send through the tradional wholesale markets Approximately 80% of Australia’s 600 dried vine fruit growers are based in the have found things difficult as prices received have not increased at the same level at Sunraysia region. The dried vine fruit industry experienced one of the best drying costs. Some growers sending through packhouses have also found things difficult. The seasons in recent years in 2014/15. The quality of earlier picked fruit was excellent, but lack of a reasonable profit margin has meant that they have been unable to plant new yields were slightly lighter than recent years. Some fruit was downgraded due to an higher returning varieties. Bigger growers have undertaken more plantings in all of the untimely rain event throughout the district in the latter half of the harvest period. The major fruit growing areas in anticipation of the opening of Chinese and other overseas lower yields were compensated by higher prices paid for better quality fruit. Better markets. Many of the bigger growers now work through marketing companies who can quality sultanas averaged $2,000 per tonne, slightly higher than prices in recent years. give them access to exclusive varieties marketed through established markets. Summerfruits Australia has established a special committee to develop export The new sultana (Sunglo and Bruce’s Sport) and currant (Black Gem) varieties have and this has been working hard to open the Chinese market which will take a lot product performed well and are excellent risk management options, particularly in adverse off the local market and into overseas markets. weather conditions as harvest approaches. Fruit fly and hence reputation is a concern. Growers have taken up the fight in rural The global market has not changed dramatically in the past twelve months. World raisin areas and traps have been distributed from Robinvale to south of Swan Hill. This production increased by approximately 5% in 2014 and there is still carryover fruit apparently needs to be repeated in 3 months and assistance has been offered by available from the previous year. However, world production is moving in a trend similar community groups and individuals with the distribution to both townships and rural to the increase in global demand. areas. The Queensland fruit fly is one of the world’s worst fruit pests.
16 17
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Industry Overview & Outlook
The remaining crops, including early to late Navels were extremely good and better than The prices on export markets have been largely influenced by Turkey releasing a very expected, with good fruit sizings and clear skin, a result of no wind blemish. With large crop onto the market at discounted prices in an effort to sell their crop. between 70 and 80 percent of local product now exported to the emerging Chinese market, returns for growers on first grade fruit are in the $550-$600 per tonne region. The high quality of the Australian crop This is a significant and welcome increase from previous years. has enabled the crop to be sold in market segments where discounting is Prices have responded well to the devaluing $AUD. The devaluation against the not a major issue this year, although Japanese Yen recently has also helped export returns into Japan. there were some significant reductions to prices of lower grade fruit. Price Late mandarin and lemon prices have shown increases of approximately 8% were good returns also, however, the price outlook achieved on export markets for the for the coming Valencia crop is expected to be better quality fruit grades. around $120 per tonne, which is half of last year’s price. This is due to a large crop of small The dried vine fruit industry will benefit from the implementation of the recently fruit on the tree, which is generally sold to the announced Dried Vine Fruit Diversification and Sustainability Initiative. The program has juice market. been allocated $4.9M and aims to develop capacity in the industry to produce 1,500 tonnes of climate resistant sultana type grape varieties. Initially, fifteen to twenty Our citrus clients are optimistic about new markets being established into China and growers will be involved in the project. Funding has been sourced from State and industry representatives advise strong export demand for quality fruit from the region Federal governments, along with funds accessed from the dried vine fruit industry. should continue.
Stone Fruit Dried Grapes (By Teresa O’Brien)
(By George Stone) Smaller growers who have continued to send through the tradional wholesale markets Approximately 80% of Australia’s 600 dried vine fruit growers are based in the have found things difficult as prices received have not increased at the same level at Sunraysia region. The dried vine fruit industry experienced one of the best drying costs. Some growers sending through packhouses have also found things difficult. The seasons in recent years in 2014/15. The quality of earlier picked fruit was excellent, but lack of a reasonable profit margin has meant that they have been unable to plant new yields were slightly lighter than recent years. Some fruit was downgraded due to an higher returning varieties. Bigger growers have undertaken more plantings in all of the untimely rain event throughout the district in the latter half of the harvest period. The major fruit growing areas in anticipation of the opening of Chinese and other overseas lower yields were compensated by higher prices paid for better quality fruit. Better markets. Many of the bigger growers now work through marketing companies who can quality sultanas averaged $2,000 per tonne, slightly higher than prices in recent years. give them access to exclusive varieties marketed through established markets. Summerfruits Australia has established a special committee to develop export The new sultana (Sunglo and Bruce’s Sport) and currant (Black Gem) varieties have and this has been working hard to open the Chinese market which will take a lot product performed well and are excellent risk management options, particularly in adverse off the local market and into overseas markets. weather conditions as harvest approaches. Fruit fly and hence reputation is a concern. Growers have taken up the fight in rural The global market has not changed dramatically in the past twelve months. World raisin areas and traps have been distributed from Robinvale to south of Swan Hill. This production increased by approximately 5% in 2014 and there is still carryover fruit apparently needs to be repeated in 3 months and assistance has been offered by available from the previous year. However, world production is moving in a trend similar community groups and individuals with the distribution to both townships and rural to the increase in global demand. areas. The Queensland fruit fly is one of the world’s worst fruit pests.
16 17
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Industry Overview & Outlook
The female fruit fly lays eggs inside fruit and when the fruit starts to ripen in warmer Early crimson prices started positively, however, shortly after the season started prices weather, the larvae hatches. This makes the fruit inedible, and costs growers millions of began to fall sharply, with reports that fruit that was not as sweet as expected was dollars. For many years, the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area has been just that – free being sold. These prices didn’t really recover until late in the season, so those growers of the fruit fly pest. But due to so many outbreaks, the pest free area status is whose fruit was picked and sold early received less than expected returns. Prices suspended. This prevents the sale of fruit to some interstate and overseas markets, started to pick up later in the season, resulting in solid returns for the later fruit. which in turn impacts on jobs, the local economy and the community as a whole. Market access to Vietnam was suspended for most of the harvest due to issues with The fruit industry is such an important one in our region. In the Swan Hill area alone, Mediterranean Fruit Fly. Whilst these issues are now resolved, this further reduced the the stonefruit industry is valued at more than $150 million and is one of the region’s selling options for the 2015 harvest. largest employers. With Vietnam reopening this coming harvest, strong demand from China, as well as
other markets such as Japan and South Korea expected to expand, there is cause for Table Grapes optimism for the district’s growers in the future.
(By John Sheehy) The key issues that impacted Rural Financial Counselling Table Grape clients were mainly the storms referred to above, and the low prices for Menindee seedless and The 2015 harvest appeared set for an excellent season, with mainly strong climatic crimson seedless, which are two of the most common local varieties. conditions well suited to growing high quality grapes, the Australian currency at a long The former involved assisting clients with Storm Grant claims, in both New South Wales term favourable level against the USD, as well as strong demand from Asian markets, in and Victoria and assistance with Farm Household Allowance in some cases (many were particular China. already in receipt of Centrelink assistance). Budgets and business planning was also Unfortunately, as often happens, these favourable conditions did not convert to a strong required for some, as well as assisting growers to seek funding / negotiate with their season for many growers, due to various factors. Firstly, on 22nd November, many banks. Some of these growers were emotionally drained, in addition to the financial growers were hit by severe storms, including a tornado and decimating hail. This totally issues, and referral to appropriate medical assistance was continually front of mind for destroyed not just the crop of those in the firing line, but also inflicted significant counsellors. infrastructure damage. The worst effected of these properties are likely to also have a The latter, i.e. poor pricing, affected many more growers. The main activities this reduced crop in 2015-16. This storm mainly impacted New South Wales growers, with generated for counsellors was revising budgets and business plans, ensuring growers some damage also incurred by Victorian growers close to the Murray River. understood these numbers as much as possible, and helping them to negotiate with This was followed by a further hailstorm on 3rd December, their financiers. with most of the damage occurring in Victoria, although it was a fairly narrow band, with less damage than the earlier Wine Grapes storm. Whilst there were fewer growers impacted, the damage was still significant to those who were hit. (By Stephanie Ferdelja)
For those growers whose grapes were still undamaged, The state of play of the wine grape industry in the Sunraysia or Murray Valley and Swan Menindee seedless prices were again very poor, with huge Hill regions is summarised in the Murray Valley Winegrape Industry Development amounts of this variety from Queensland flooding the early Committee (MVWIDC) and Murray Valley Winegrowers Inc (MVWI) Wine Grape Crush markets, with most Sunraysia growers’ returns well below Report 2015 Vintage. To paraphrase, total production in the region declined 8 percent, cost of production. Many growers left much of their fruit on the value of wine purchased from independent growers (as opposed to individual the vine in order to minimise losses. growers plus fruit produced by wineries) declined by fifteen percent, and the average price over all varieties fell from $295 per ton in 2014 to $288 per ton. Average prices
paid in 2015 included $223 for Chardonnay, $289 for Shiraz, $295 for Cabernet Sauvignon and $293 for Merlot.
18 19
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Industry Overview & Outlook
The female fruit fly lays eggs inside fruit and when the fruit starts to ripen in warmer Early crimson prices started positively, however, shortly after the season started prices weather, the larvae hatches. This makes the fruit inedible, and costs growers millions of began to fall sharply, with reports that fruit that was not as sweet as expected was dollars. For many years, the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area has been just that – free being sold. These prices didn’t really recover until late in the season, so those growers of the fruit fly pest. But due to so many outbreaks, the pest free area status is whose fruit was picked and sold early received less than expected returns. Prices suspended. This prevents the sale of fruit to some interstate and overseas markets, started to pick up later in the season, resulting in solid returns for the later fruit. which in turn impacts on jobs, the local economy and the community as a whole. Market access to Vietnam was suspended for most of the harvest due to issues with The fruit industry is such an important one in our region. In the Swan Hill area alone, Mediterranean Fruit Fly. Whilst these issues are now resolved, this further reduced the the stonefruit industry is valued at more than $150 million and is one of the region’s selling options for the 2015 harvest. largest employers. With Vietnam reopening this coming harvest, strong demand from China, as well as
other markets such as Japan and South Korea expected to expand, there is cause for Table Grapes optimism for the district’s growers in the future.
(By John Sheehy) The key issues that impacted Rural Financial Counselling Table Grape clients were mainly the storms referred to above, and the low prices for Menindee seedless and The 2015 harvest appeared set for an excellent season, with mainly strong climatic crimson seedless, which are two of the most common local varieties. conditions well suited to growing high quality grapes, the Australian currency at a long The former involved assisting clients with Storm Grant claims, in both New South Wales term favourable level against the USD, as well as strong demand from Asian markets, in and Victoria and assistance with Farm Household Allowance in some cases (many were particular China. already in receipt of Centrelink assistance). Budgets and business planning was also Unfortunately, as often happens, these favourable conditions did not convert to a strong required for some, as well as assisting growers to seek funding / negotiate with their season for many growers, due to various factors. Firstly, on 22nd November, many banks. Some of these growers were emotionally drained, in addition to the financial growers were hit by severe storms, including a tornado and decimating hail. This totally issues, and referral to appropriate medical assistance was continually front of mind for destroyed not just the crop of those in the firing line, but also inflicted significant counsellors. infrastructure damage. The worst effected of these properties are likely to also have a The latter, i.e. poor pricing, affected many more growers. The main activities this reduced crop in 2015-16. This storm mainly impacted New South Wales growers, with generated for counsellors was revising budgets and business plans, ensuring growers some damage also incurred by Victorian growers close to the Murray River. understood these numbers as much as possible, and helping them to negotiate with This was followed by a further hailstorm on 3rd December, their financiers. with most of the damage occurring in Victoria, although it was a fairly narrow band, with less damage than the earlier Wine Grapes storm. Whilst there were fewer growers impacted, the damage was still significant to those who were hit. (By Stephanie Ferdelja)
For those growers whose grapes were still undamaged, The state of play of the wine grape industry in the Sunraysia or Murray Valley and Swan Menindee seedless prices were again very poor, with huge Hill regions is summarised in the Murray Valley Winegrape Industry Development amounts of this variety from Queensland flooding the early Committee (MVWIDC) and Murray Valley Winegrowers Inc (MVWI) Wine Grape Crush markets, with most Sunraysia growers’ returns well below Report 2015 Vintage. To paraphrase, total production in the region declined 8 percent, cost of production. Many growers left much of their fruit on the value of wine purchased from independent growers (as opposed to individual the vine in order to minimise losses. growers plus fruit produced by wineries) declined by fifteen percent, and the average price over all varieties fell from $295 per ton in 2014 to $288 per ton. Average prices
paid in 2015 included $223 for Chardonnay, $289 for Shiraz, $295 for Cabernet Sauvignon and $293 for Merlot.
18 19
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Wellbeing
The Economic Benchmarking for the Murray Valley Wine Region Report on the 2013/14 (By Teresa O’Brien) season by Retallack Viticulture released in May 2015 reported the average estimated cost of production over all varieties in 2014 was $409 per ton. Given costs historically The mental health of our clients is impacted by the many stresses associated with trend upward, it follows that per ton costs of production exceeded income by over $100 farming. Social, economic and climatic conditions are having a compounding effect on per ton. them and their families. The ongoing issues associated with Farm Household Allowance and Rural Finance loan applications has questioned farmer’s confidence in being able to There was not much to celebrate for our wine grape gain support. growing clients. More growers found themselves out of contract for some or all varieties. New wine grape Continual lack of services known for farmers is evident and some only seek help when a contracts were almost impossible to negotiate. The service or provider is recommended by Rural Financial Counsellors. options available for uncontracted fruit were to promise tonnage to Vintage Traders Australia (VTA) or A number of non-financial issues are intertwined with the financial decision making rely on the spot market at harvest time. Yields and process and it is not possible to deal with these issues effectively in isolation. quality were generally good, though two extreme Counsellors are able to visit on farm and work with clients to assist them. weather events in late November and early December caused havoc to those affected.
It has been observed that more wine grape growers are relying on off-farm income by employment, or DHS / Centrelink income support to make ends meet than ever before. The Economic Benchmarking for the Murray Valley Wine Region Report on the 2013/14 found that sixty eight percent of Mildura wine growers surveyed had off-farm income. If prices remain the same it’s difficult to visualise an improvement to the industry. More irrigators will cease producing, whether selling water and cutting off their vines, changing to a different enterprise or selling their entire farms. For the majority the industry is not sustainable at current prices.
We wish to acknowledge the assistance of Citrus Australia, Murray Valley Winegrowers Inc., Australian Table Grape Association, Dried Fruits Australia and Sunbeam Foods Ltd. in providing supporting information.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report
Industry Overview & Outlook Wellbeing
The Economic Benchmarking for the Murray Valley Wine Region Report on the 2013/14 (By Teresa O’Brien) season by Retallack Viticulture released in May 2015 reported the average estimated cost of production over all varieties in 2014 was $409 per ton. Given costs historically The mental health of our clients is impacted by the many stresses associated with trend upward, it follows that per ton costs of production exceeded income by over $100 farming. Social, economic and climatic conditions are having a compounding effect on per ton. them and their families. The ongoing issues associated with Farm Household Allowance and Rural Finance loan applications has questioned farmer’s confidence in being able to There was not much to celebrate for our wine grape gain support. growing clients. More growers found themselves out of contract for some or all varieties. New wine grape Continual lack of services known for farmers is evident and some only seek help when a contracts were almost impossible to negotiate. The service or provider is recommended by Rural Financial Counsellors. options available for uncontracted fruit were to promise tonnage to Vintage Traders Australia (VTA) or A number of non-financial issues are intertwined with the financial decision making rely on the spot market at harvest time. Yields and process and it is not possible to deal with these issues effectively in isolation. quality were generally good, though two extreme Counsellors are able to visit on farm and work with clients to assist them. weather events in late November and early December caused havoc to those affected.
It has been observed that more wine grape growers are relying on off-farm income by employment, or DHS / Centrelink income support to make ends meet than ever before. The Economic Benchmarking for the Murray Valley Wine Region Report on the 2013/14 found that sixty eight percent of Mildura wine growers surveyed had off-farm income. If prices remain the same it’s difficult to visualise an improvement to the industry. More irrigators will cease producing, whether selling water and cutting off their vines, changing to a different enterprise or selling their entire farms. For the majority the industry is not sustainable at current prices.
We wish to acknowledge the assistance of Citrus Australia, Murray Valley Winegrowers Inc., Australian Table Grape Association, Dried Fruits Australia and Sunbeam Foods Ltd. in providing supporting information.
20 21
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Performance – Year in Review
Water Progress Against Our Communication Plan
(By Stephanie Ferdelja) Communication Activity Method / Event Output Desired Outcome Full water allocations were enjoyed by our irrigators in the 2014/15 financial year. Communication Written Communication Plan reviewed and updated annually To ensure consistent and Plan Monitored through the Audit & Risk Committee appropriate The average price for water entitlement increased steadily from $1,435 per ML in July to communication $1,900 per ML in June 2015. The price rise was welcomed by entitlement holders Surveys Document/ Closed Client Survey – summary report May 2015 Identification of wanting to sell and those requiring more equity. It was a source of disappointing to Electronic Current Client Survey July 2014 – summary report Sept 2014 areas of risk Farm Debt Mediation Survey in place – ongoing irrigators who had already sold entitlement significantly cheaper. matters requiring Help4SmallBusiness Workshop Surveys improvement Digital Appliance Workshop Surveys compliments Brochures & Document/ All RFCS brochures and flyers have been updated to include Widespread awareness of Newsletters Electronic 1300 769 489 phone number and to reflect RFCS mobility across services and one-off the Murray Mallee region. events offered New brochures and handouts also produced: Specific projects and events ASBAS – Help4SmallBusiness Website Electronic Website monitored and updated with information on events, Widespread awareness of activities, projects and program changes. services offered, credible Includes secure access section for Board members and current source of Includes links to: information o ASBAS-Help4SmallBusiness websites o FaceBook pages o and other related sites Regular newsletter and projects promoted Appropriate and timely links to new information and events made available, such as: Source: Victorian Water Register o Drought low interest Loans through Rural Finance o Farm Household Allowance through Centrelink Staff and committee profile changes managed Temporary water too increased in value, from $85 per ML in July to $140 per ML in June Promotion of 1300 769 489 phone number 2015. There was concern by irrigators who had previously sold entitlement to fund Media Newspaper, All media options continue to be utilized in a timely manner. Widespread awareness of carry on and were then buying temporary water to continue producing. Similarly Radio, Radio interviews and radio advertising conducted in services offered irrigators who had overused their allocations and been required to purchase in TV support of local events – ABC Rural Radio and 3SH Swan Hill temporary water to restore their water allocation bank accounts by 30 June were caught Well established links with the major newspaper in the rising market. publications, plus small town newspapers including advertising and articles WIN television media support accessed regularly to promote the RFCS and ASBAS programs. *Note: The loss of local WIN News in Mildura in June 2015 will impact on future opportunities for promotion through local television media Industry Journals Articles Use of media releases on the organization’s program activities in Widespread awareness of and Magazines a timely manner. services offered Two client interviews prepared and submitted to The Weekly Times for publication: one submission published Article submitted to The Vine magazine and advertising items in regional and rural industry publications and newsletters
Source: Victorian Water Register
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Rural Financial Counsellor’s Report Performance – Year in Review
Water Progress Against Our Communication Plan
(By Stephanie Ferdelja) Communication Activity Method / Event Output Desired Outcome Full water allocations were enjoyed by our irrigators in the 2014/15 financial year. Communication Written Communication Plan reviewed and updated annually To ensure consistent and Plan Monitored through the Audit & Risk Committee appropriate The average price for water entitlement increased steadily from $1,435 per ML in July to communication $1,900 per ML in June 2015. The price rise was welcomed by entitlement holders Surveys Document/ Closed Client Survey – summary report May 2015 Identification of wanting to sell and those requiring more equity. It was a source of disappointing to Electronic Current Client Survey July 2014 – summary report Sept 2014 areas of risk Farm Debt Mediation Survey in place – ongoing irrigators who had already sold entitlement significantly cheaper. matters requiring Help4SmallBusiness Workshop Surveys improvement Digital Appliance Workshop Surveys compliments Brochures & Document/ All RFCS brochures and flyers have been updated to include Widespread awareness of Newsletters Electronic 1300 769 489 phone number and to reflect RFCS mobility across services and one-off the Murray Mallee region. events offered New brochures and handouts also produced: Specific projects and events ASBAS – Help4SmallBusiness Website Electronic Website monitored and updated with information on events, Widespread awareness of activities, projects and program changes. services offered, credible Includes secure access section for Board members and current source of Includes links to: information o ASBAS-Help4SmallBusiness websites o FaceBook pages o and other related sites Regular newsletter and projects promoted Appropriate and timely links to new information and events made available, such as: Source: Victorian Water Register o Drought low interest Loans through Rural Finance o Farm Household Allowance through Centrelink Staff and committee profile changes managed Temporary water too increased in value, from $85 per ML in July to $140 per ML in June Promotion of 1300 769 489 phone number 2015. There was concern by irrigators who had previously sold entitlement to fund Media Newspaper, All media options continue to be utilized in a timely manner. Widespread awareness of carry on and were then buying temporary water to continue producing. Similarly Radio, Radio interviews and radio advertising conducted in services offered irrigators who had overused their allocations and been required to purchase in TV support of local events – ABC Rural Radio and 3SH Swan Hill temporary water to restore their water allocation bank accounts by 30 June were caught Well established links with the major newspaper in the rising market. publications, plus small town newspapers including advertising and articles WIN television media support accessed regularly to promote the RFCS and ASBAS programs. *Note: The loss of local WIN News in Mildura in June 2015 will impact on future opportunities for promotion through local television media Industry Journals Articles Use of media releases on the organization’s program activities in Widespread awareness of and Magazines a timely manner. services offered Two client interviews prepared and submitted to The Weekly Times for publication: one submission published Article submitted to The Vine magazine and advertising items in regional and rural industry publications and newsletters
Source: Victorian Water Register
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Progress Against Our Communication Plan Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program
Communication Activity Method / Event Output Desired Outcome Forums by Others In person, Presentations and promotion of Service programs at: Widespread awareness of TOTAL CLIENT NUMBERS 1,100 Brochures Mallee Machinery Field Days RFCS tailored to local 1,000 Murray Valley Winegrowers End of Harvest meeting regions and presentation 900 Swan Hill Inaugural Field Days of human face of the 800 Dried Fruits Australia growers forums organization 700 600 Australian Table Grape Association meeting 500 National Ag Grower’s forum 400 Sunbeam Annual Pre-Harvest meeting 300 Birchip Cropping Group Expo Number of Clients 200 100 Buloke Shire community forums and fireshed events 0 Mildura Field Days Contributions to Department of Agriculture: Quarterly face-to-face (telephone linkup) meetings with 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Victorian RFCSs’ Executive Officers, Snr RFC Co- Financial Year ordinators and Dept of Economic Development Jobs Total Clients New Clients Existing Clients Transport & Resource (DEDJTR) Farm Debt Mediation forum Ministerial Round Table on Agriculture and Finance Total client numbers increased twelve percent from 521 to 586. Hosting of National RFCS forum in Canberra on 25 & 26 February 2015 SunRCS Forums In person, RFCS held a community promotion/entertainment evening in Widespread awareness of RFCS Victoria – Murray Mallee assists farmers and farm related small rural businesses Brochures, the Millewa. RFCS tailored to local from the Mallee, Wimmera, Murray Valley, and Sunraysia districts including irrigation Business Cards Help4SmallBusiness seminars and workshops: workshops regions and presentation areas north of the border into NSW. The Mildura Rural City Council is home to the targeted training sessions across Murray Mallee region and of human face of the Wentworth Shire. organization with majority of our clients. The municipalities of Swan Hill, Buloke, Wentworth and Support and participation in Fire Shed gatherings in the emphasis on client Yarriambiack also make up a significant number of our clients serviced in 2014/15. Southern Mallee. referral There was a 140 percent increase in the number of clients in Buloke and a 47 percent Rural women’s forum. increase in the numbers of clients in Yarriambiack. This is consistent with the difficult Governance 101 and Q&A workshops in Birchip and Manangatang. season experienced by broad acre farmers in the Mallee and Southern Mallee. Continued facilitation of the Victorian & Tasmanian Association of Rural Counselling Groups (VTARCG) forums on Victorian RFCS restructuring options. Annual Report Document, AGM October 2014 and accompanying Annual Report. Awareness of RFCS 300 CLIENT NUMBERS BY MUNICIPALITY Presentation 200 copies of Annual Report posted to stakeholders and copy operations and placed on website. community engagement/ 250 support for the 200 continuance of the program 150 Reference Groups In person and Northern Mallee Critical Incident Support Team. Improved input toward 100 written report Farm Debt Mediation National Working Group. strategic direction. Sunraysia Community Health Service–Community Advisory Cttee Foster stronger 50 Northern/Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership networks. community links. Number of Clients 0 Healthy Minds network. Improved transparency. Board Meetings In person VTARCG AGM October 2014 Improved communication Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc (SunRCS) AGM Oct 2014 with stakeholders and Other (Vic) (Vic) SunRCS Board plus Finance, Governance and Audit & Risk increased referral. (NSW) Wentworth Buloke (Vic)Buloke Gannawarra Mildura (Vic) Committees met as required, ensuring the smooth running of Greater transparency and Yarriambiack Swan Hill (Vic) Wakool (NSW) Wakool Hindmarsh (Vic) the organization. understanding of SunRCS. Local Government Area 2013/14 2014/15 Balranald (NSW)
24 25
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Progress Against Our Communication Plan Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program
Communication Activity Method / Event Output Desired Outcome Forums by Others In person, Presentations and promotion of Service programs at: Widespread awareness of TOTAL CLIENT NUMBERS 1,100 Brochures Mallee Machinery Field Days RFCS tailored to local 1,000 Murray Valley Winegrowers End of Harvest meeting regions and presentation 900 Swan Hill Inaugural Field Days of human face of the 800 Dried Fruits Australia growers forums organization 700 600 Australian Table Grape Association meeting 500 National Ag Grower’s forum 400 Sunbeam Annual Pre-Harvest meeting 300 Birchip Cropping Group Expo Number of Clients 200 100 Buloke Shire community forums and fireshed events 0 Mildura Field Days Contributions to Department of Agriculture: Quarterly face-to-face (telephone linkup) meetings with 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Victorian RFCSs’ Executive Officers, Snr RFC Co- Financial Year ordinators and Dept of Economic Development Jobs Total Clients New Clients Existing Clients Transport & Resource (DEDJTR) Farm Debt Mediation forum Ministerial Round Table on Agriculture and Finance Total client numbers increased twelve percent from 521 to 586. Hosting of National RFCS forum in Canberra on 25 & 26 February 2015 SunRCS Forums In person, RFCS held a community promotion/entertainment evening in Widespread awareness of RFCS Victoria – Murray Mallee assists farmers and farm related small rural businesses Brochures, the Millewa. RFCS tailored to local from the Mallee, Wimmera, Murray Valley, and Sunraysia districts including irrigation Business Cards Help4SmallBusiness seminars and workshops: workshops regions and presentation areas north of the border into NSW. The Mildura Rural City Council is home to the targeted training sessions across Murray Mallee region and of human face of the Wentworth Shire. organization with majority of our clients. The municipalities of Swan Hill, Buloke, Wentworth and Support and participation in Fire Shed gatherings in the emphasis on client Yarriambiack also make up a significant number of our clients serviced in 2014/15. Southern Mallee. referral There was a 140 percent increase in the number of clients in Buloke and a 47 percent Rural women’s forum. increase in the numbers of clients in Yarriambiack. This is consistent with the difficult Governance 101 and Q&A workshops in Birchip and Manangatang. season experienced by broad acre farmers in the Mallee and Southern Mallee. Continued facilitation of the Victorian & Tasmanian Association of Rural Counselling Groups (VTARCG) forums on Victorian RFCS restructuring options. Annual Report Document, AGM October 2014 and accompanying Annual Report. Awareness of RFCS 300 CLIENT NUMBERS BY MUNICIPALITY Presentation 200 copies of Annual Report posted to stakeholders and copy operations and placed on website. community engagement/ 250 support for the 200 continuance of the program 150 Reference Groups In person and Northern Mallee Critical Incident Support Team. Improved input toward 100 written report Farm Debt Mediation National Working Group. strategic direction. Sunraysia Community Health Service–Community Advisory Cttee Foster stronger 50 Northern/Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership networks. community links. Number of Clients 0 Healthy Minds network. Improved transparency. Board Meetings In person VTARCG AGM October 2014 Improved communication Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc (SunRCS) AGM Oct 2014 with stakeholders and Other (Vic) (Vic) SunRCS Board plus Finance, Governance and Audit & Risk increased referral. (NSW) Wentworth Buloke (Vic)Buloke Gannawarra Mildura (Vic) Committees met as required, ensuring the smooth running of Greater transparency and Yarriambiack Swan Hill (Vic) Wakool (NSW) Wakool Hindmarsh (Vic) the organization. understanding of SunRCS. Local Government Area 2013/14 2014/15 Balranald (NSW)
24 25
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program
The Murray Mallee region is a mixed farming area with irrigated growers along the The major cause of difficulty for clients identified by our Rural Financial Counsellors was Murray River and broadacre dryland farming and livestock extending down to the Climatic Variation (51%), followed by Debt Levels (18%), Low Sales / Commodity Prices southern borders. (16%), and (Small) Enterprise Size (5%).
Farming enterprise types include dryland cereal and pulses, livestock, viticulture, citrus,
vegetables, nurseries, almond, stone fruit and a small number of dairy.
/Poultry
Dried fruit, table grape, wine grapes, citrus, stone fruit and nut growers represent 53% of farming clients assisted (61% last year) while 35% of farmers were from the dryland MAJOR CAUSE OF DIFFICULTY TOTALS primary production area, producing grains, sheep and beef cattle (27% last year). Only Grain Livestock three percent of clients assisted were non-farming small businesses (shown below as Cattle Dairy Fruit & Tree Nut Nut Tree & Fruit Support Services
Agriculture & Fishing Support Services), down from five percent in 2014. Other Crop Growing Sheep, Beef Cattle & & Cattle Beef Sheep, Agriculture & Fishing Agriculture Nursery & Floriculture Nursery Mushroom & Vegetable & Vegetable Mushroom Other
Climatic Variation 9 91 3 1 11 87 4 4 210
Debt Levels 1 28 2 1 5 37 74
CLIENT NUMBERS BY INDUSTRY Declining Asset Value 1 1 Enterprise Management Skills 1 7 8
Poultry Enterprise Size 2 3 2 14 1 22
Nursery & Floriculture Financial Management Skills 1 2 1 3 7 Increased Operating Costs 1 7 1 9 Mushroom & Vegetable Low Sales / Commodity Prices 1 8 1 53 3 66
Fruit & Tree Nut Personal Factors 2 6 1 3 1 13
Other Livestock TOTALS 16 139 5 4 20 212 6 8 Dairy Cattle Primary Enterprise Other Crop Growing The data above suggests Climatic Variation was less of a concern as a major cause of difficulty than it had been in 2014. Causes of difficulty that increased from 2014 to Sheep, Beef Cattle & Grain 2015 included (high) Debt Levels and Low Sales / Commodity Prices. This is consistent with our observations. Agriculture & Fishing
Support Services 0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Number of Clients 2013/14 2014/15
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program
The Murray Mallee region is a mixed farming area with irrigated growers along the The major cause of difficulty for clients identified by our Rural Financial Counsellors was Murray River and broadacre dryland farming and livestock extending down to the Climatic Variation (51%), followed by Debt Levels (18%), Low Sales / Commodity Prices southern borders. (16%), and (Small) Enterprise Size (5%).
Farming enterprise types include dryland cereal and pulses, livestock, viticulture, citrus,
vegetables, nurseries, almond, stone fruit and a small number of dairy.
Dried fruit, table grape, wine grapes, citrus, stone fruit and nut growers represent 53% /Poultry of farming clients assisted (61% last year) while 35% of farmers were from the dryland MAJOR CAUSE OF DIFFICULTY TOTALS primary production area, producing grains, sheep and beef cattle (27% last year). Only Grain Livestock three percent of clients assisted were non-farming small businesses (shown below as Cattle Dairy Fruit & Tree Nut Nut Tree & Fruit Support Services
Agriculture & Fishing Support Services), down from five percent in 2014. Other Crop Growing Sheep, Beef Cattle & & Cattle Beef Sheep, Agriculture & Fishing Agriculture Nursery & Floriculture Nursery Mushroom & Vegetable & Vegetable Mushroom Other
Climatic Variation 9 91 3 1 11 87 4 4 210
Debt Levels 1 28 2 1 5 37 74
CLIENT NUMBERS BY INDUSTRY Declining Asset Value 1 1 Enterprise Management Skills 1 7 8
Poultry Enterprise Size 2 3 2 14 1 22
Nursery & Floriculture Financial Management Skills 1 2 1 3 7 Increased Operating Costs 1 7 1 9 Mushroom & Vegetable Low Sales / Commodity Prices 1 8 1 53 3 66
Fruit & Tree Nut Personal Factors 2 6 1 3 1 13
Other Livestock TOTALS 16 139 5 4 20 212 6 8 Dairy Cattle Primary Enterprise Other Crop Growing The data above suggests Climatic Variation was less of a concern as a major cause of difficulty than it had been in 2014. Causes of difficulty that increased from 2014 to Sheep, Beef Cattle & Grain 2015 included (high) Debt Levels and Low Sales / Commodity Prices. This is consistent with our observations. Agriculture & Fishing
Support Services 0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Number of Clients 2013/14 2014/15
26 27
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program Rural Support Program
Of our clients whose files were closed in the 2015 financial year almost all achieved an The Rural Support Program (RSP) has worked closely with the Rural Financial outcome. Some farmers and small businesses adjusted out of business but the majority Counselling and Help 4 Small Business Programs to enhance service provision. The (54%) adjusted within primary production. This suggests that work with their Rural program is primarily involved in: Financial Counsellor enabled the majority of clients to achieve positive outcomes whilst client and stakeholder communications; remaining farming. Approximately 22% of clients closed did so after their Rural media relations and event promotion; identifying new business and partnership opportunities; Financial Counsellor helped them apply for Government or other assistance. with funding support from a range of government and private entities.
Celebrating our 30th Anniversary
SunRCS celebrated its 30th anniversary
of service in the Murray-Mallee by holding a community celebration in Sea
Lake on 12th October. Making the OUTCOME TYPE TOTALS anniversary even more special was that Grain key people from the Mallee Crisis Dairy Cattle Dairy Not Specified Not
Other Livestock Other Committee, including inaugural Fruit & Tree Nut Nut Tree & Fruit Support Services Other Crop Growing Sheep, Beef Cattle & & Cattle Beef Sheep,
Agriculture & Fishing Agriculture members Hayden Bailey, Robert Nursery & Floriculture Nursery Mushroom & Vegetable & Vegetable Mushroom McClelland, Alan Mills, Gerry Leach and
Bev Cook were in attendance and shared Adjusted Out of Agriculture Forced 3 1 4 their stories of the formation of the
Voluntarily 15 1 13 1 30 committee in the mid-eighties.
EC Exit Grant 2 2 Attendees gathered at the Sea Lake Community Complex and spent the afternoon reminiscing with both formal
Adjusted Out of Small Business presentations and a beautiful lunch prepared by the local school’s Parents and Friends Forced Voluntarily 2 1 3 Association.
Adjus ted Within Primary Production Mildura’s 30th Anniversary celebration Action Plan successfully completed, no further 5 8 13 was held on 31st October. Members assistance required Diversification 7 1 6 1 15 of the Inaugural Committee in
Improved business enterprise 13 1 6 1 21 attendance included Eddie Lloyd,
Improved Farm Operation & Management 1 16 2 2 13 2 36 Henry Tankard, Bernie Harford, Ross Improved Financial Management 8 1 1 4 6 20 Skinner, Paula Gordon, Lloyd Off-farm Income 8 4 15 27
Other 1 1 Thomson, Vernon Knight, Maria Moisidis Robinson and Brigitte Gover nment Assistance Tornatora. Special guests included EC Application completed, no further 6 1 1 8 Peter Crisp MP, Mayor Glenn Milne, assistance required Other Gov’t assistance completed, no further Mildura Rural City Council CEO Gerard Jose, supporters of the service, current and 2 28 1 14 45 assistance required former committee members, stakeholders and former and current staff members.
No outcome - closed by RFC 9 10 1 20 Guests were treated to a range of guest speakers who recounted stories of the
TOTALS 5 118 3 1 17 95 3 3 245 formation of the service in 1984 and the early years of the service known as the Sunraysia Growers Advisory Group. Deb Banks acted as MC and introduced the guest Case Management Status speakers who included Jack Forbes SunRCS Chair, Eddie Lloyd Chairman from 1984-99, Assessing client situation 25 22 88 1 2 11 64 1 3 217 the first Rural Financial Counsellor Russell Witcombe, and inaugural committee No progress towards planned outcome 1 1 2 members Henry Tankard and Vernon Knight. A number of guests also gave impromptu speeches on the day and shared stories of their involvement in the service.
28 29
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Operating Statistics for Rural Financial Counselling Program Rural Support Program
Of our clients whose files were closed in the 2015 financial year almost all achieved an The Rural Support Program (RSP) has worked closely with the Rural Financial outcome. Some farmers and small businesses adjusted out of business but the majority Counselling and Help 4 Small Business Programs to enhance service provision. The (54%) adjusted within primary production. This suggests that work with their Rural program is primarily involved in: Financial Counsellor enabled the majority of clients to achieve positive outcomes whilst client and stakeholder communications; remaining farming. Approximately 22% of clients closed did so after their Rural media relations and event promotion; identifying new business and partnership opportunities; Financial Counsellor helped them apply for Government or other assistance. with funding support from a range of government and private entities.
Celebrating our 30th Anniversary
SunRCS celebrated its 30th anniversary
of service in the Murray-Mallee by holding a community celebration in Sea
Lake on 12th October. Making the OUTCOME TYPE TOTALS anniversary even more special was that Grain key people from the Mallee Crisis Dairy Cattle Dairy Not Specified Not
Other Livestock Other Committee, including inaugural Fruit & Tree Nut Nut Tree & Fruit Support Services Other Crop Growing Sheep, Beef Cattle & & Cattle Beef Sheep,
Agriculture & Fishing Agriculture members Hayden Bailey, Robert Nursery & Floriculture Nursery Mushroom & Vegetable & Vegetable Mushroom McClelland, Alan Mills, Gerry Leach and
Bev Cook were in attendance and shared Adjusted Out of Agriculture Forced 3 1 4 their stories of the formation of the
Voluntarily 15 1 13 1 30 committee in the mid-eighties.
EC Exit Grant 2 2 Attendees gathered at the Sea Lake Community Complex and spent the afternoon reminiscing with both formal
Adjusted Out of Small Business presentations and a beautiful lunch prepared by the local school’s Parents and Friends Forced Voluntarily 2 1 3 Association.
Adjus ted Within Primary Production Mildura’s 30th Anniversary celebration Action Plan successfully completed, no further 5 8 13 was held on 31st October. Members assistance required Diversification 7 1 6 1 15 of the Inaugural Committee in
Improved business enterprise 13 1 6 1 21 attendance included Eddie Lloyd,
Improved Farm Operation & Management 1 16 2 2 13 2 36 Henry Tankard, Bernie Harford, Ross Improved Financial Management 8 1 1 4 6 20 Skinner, Paula Gordon, Lloyd Off-farm Income 8 4 15 27
Other 1 1 Thomson, Vernon Knight, Maria Moisidis Robinson and Brigitte Gover nment Assistance Tornatora. Special guests included EC Application completed, no further 6 1 1 8 Peter Crisp MP, Mayor Glenn Milne, assistance required Other Gov’t assistance completed, no further Mildura Rural City Council CEO Gerard Jose, supporters of the service, current and 2 28 1 14 45 assistance required former committee members, stakeholders and former and current staff members.
No outcome - closed by RFC 9 10 1 20 Guests were treated to a range of guest speakers who recounted stories of the
TOTALS 5 118 3 1 17 95 3 3 245 formation of the service in 1984 and the early years of the service known as the Sunraysia Growers Advisory Group. Deb Banks acted as MC and introduced the guest Case Management Status speakers who included Jack Forbes SunRCS Chair, Eddie Lloyd Chairman from 1984-99, Assessing client situation 25 22 88 1 2 11 64 1 3 217 the first Rural Financial Counsellor Russell Witcombe, and inaugural committee No progress towards planned outcome 1 1 2 members Henry Tankard and Vernon Knight. A number of guests also gave impromptu speeches on the day and shared stories of their involvement in the service.
28 29
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Rural Support Program Rural Support Program iPad Training The overall outcomes of this project were to assist participants with the skills, knowledge and contacts to assess business ideas and seek support for business start up, raising the level of likely success and realistic In partnership with Mildura Rural City Council aspirations for business growth, sustainability and this project delivered free iPad training for to increase employment opportunities for others. people aged 50 and over, across the MRCC Participants also received a personal follow up from district. The classes were extremely popular marketing specialist Ailsa Page six weeks after the in various locations and were fully booked. workshop to offer assistance and check in on their The training covered how to access local, progress. This project also linked in with our Help 4 state and national information resources, how Small Business program with participants to search the internet for information, apps, introduced to Sue Rudd and the program’s services online safety and social media. The classes that may benefit them as they move forward with helped participants to get their own email their small business. address and learn how to send and receive emails and photos. Putting Local Businesses on the Map with Google
Project outcomes included increased confidence and skills using mobile technology, increased access to online information, increased connections to community information We hosted a business lunch and information and upskilling community members for employment and community work opportunities. session in conjunction with Michael Quinn from AusClicks, showing local businesses how to Getting Rural Communities on Boards optimise their online presence and ensure their business can easily be found online by customers. The program featured presentations by business We ran governance workshops in Birchip and Manangatang. Designed to help volunteers owners - Sunraysia Cellar Door Sales and in their community work which is vital for the successful future of rural communities, ThaiRiffic - who talked about how being online the workshop’s aims were to assist volunteers understand their roles and functions on helps their business, particularly on sites such as boards and committees. TripAdvisor (both who are rated number 1 in their category on TripAdvisor). The session had lots of practical information for participants We hosted a full day workshop in Birchip where participants covered a number of topics and showed them the steps they could take to better optimise their online presence including how to conduct effective meetings, how to attract funding, how to retain straight away. committee members and communication to meet the group's needs.
We delivered a Governance 101 (Q&A) presentation in Manangatang to encourage New Business Opportunities people to get involved in local community groups. With an ever changing funding landscape, broadening the funding base, diversifying Feedback from this project was extremely positive, identifying that the workshops had services and working collaboratively in partnership with other organizations will be assisted with grant applications, personal confidence, the ability to advise other group important to the future of SunRCS. SunRCS has a large client base and wide service members regarding governance issues, and help to run their community group to a high region which is diverse and covers a geographic area with a broad range of agricultural governance standard. and business enterprises, characterised by features which are attractive to funding
providers and potential partner organizations which share our values and commitment Developing Sustainable Business Options to the region.
The project delivered two free workshops to help participants develop sustainable business options. Dianne Johnstone
The workshops focused on topics including market research principles, product Project Officer, Rural Support Program development and diversification, collaborative marketing, having a point of difference and business success factors.
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Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review
Rural Support Program Rural Support Program iPad Training The overall outcomes of this project were to assist participants with the skills, knowledge and contacts to assess business ideas and seek support for business start up, raising the level of likely success and realistic In partnership with Mildura Rural City Council aspirations for business growth, sustainability and this project delivered free iPad training for to increase employment opportunities for others. people aged 50 and over, across the MRCC Participants also received a personal follow up from district. The classes were extremely popular marketing specialist Ailsa Page six weeks after the in various locations and were fully booked. workshop to offer assistance and check in on their The training covered how to access local, progress. This project also linked in with our Help 4 state and national information resources, how Small Business program with participants to search the internet for information, apps, introduced to Sue Rudd and the program’s services online safety and social media. The classes that may benefit them as they move forward with helped participants to get their own email their small business. address and learn how to send and receive emails and photos. Putting Local Businesses on the Map with Google
Project outcomes included increased confidence and skills using mobile technology, increased access to online information, increased connections to community information We hosted a business lunch and information and upskilling community members for employment and community work opportunities. session in conjunction with Michael Quinn from AusClicks, showing local businesses how to Getting Rural Communities on Boards optimise their online presence and ensure their business can easily be found online by customers. The program featured presentations by business We ran governance workshops in Birchip and Manangatang. Designed to help volunteers owners - Sunraysia Cellar Door Sales and in their community work which is vital for the successful future of rural communities, ThaiRiffic - who talked about how being online the workshop’s aims were to assist volunteers understand their roles and functions on helps their business, particularly on sites such as boards and committees. TripAdvisor (both who are rated number 1 in their category on TripAdvisor). The session had lots of practical information for participants We hosted a full day workshop in Birchip where participants covered a number of topics and showed them the steps they could take to better optimise their online presence including how to conduct effective meetings, how to attract funding, how to retain straight away. committee members and communication to meet the group's needs.
We delivered a Governance 101 (Q&A) presentation in Manangatang to encourage New Business Opportunities people to get involved in local community groups. With an ever changing funding landscape, broadening the funding base, diversifying Feedback from this project was extremely positive, identifying that the workshops had services and working collaboratively in partnership with other organizations will be assisted with grant applications, personal confidence, the ability to advise other group important to the future of SunRCS. SunRCS has a large client base and wide service members regarding governance issues, and help to run their community group to a high region which is diverse and covers a geographic area with a broad range of agricultural governance standard. and business enterprises, characterised by features which are attractive to funding
providers and potential partner organizations which share our values and commitment Developing Sustainable Business Options to the region.
The project delivered two free workshops to help participants develop sustainable business options. Dianne Johnstone
The workshops focused on topics including market research principles, product Project Officer, Rural Support Program development and diversification, collaborative marketing, having a point of difference and business success factors.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review Small Business Advisory Service Program Australian Small Business Advisory Service Program
The Small Business Advisory Service The Australian Small Business Advisory Service th (SBAS) program commenced on 1st April (ASBAS) program commenced on 10 March st 2013, and concluded on 30th June 2014 2015, and will conclude on 31 March 2018
Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc. were successful in applying for funding through SunRCS were successful in their application to provide low cost services to small the Department of Industry to provide high quality, low cost business advisory services businesses in the Wentworth, Mildura, Swan Hill and Buloke Shire regions through the that will be targeted toward improving the business and/or financial management skills Help 4 Small Business program, as part of the Australian Small Business Advisory of participating small businesses. The program was required to assist 160 small Service Program. businesses and this target was well exceeded and we were advised by AusIndustry that we had provided services to 234 small businesses during the program. The ASBAS Program aims to improve the capacity of established not-for-profit small business advisory service A very successful initiative saw 15 of the total workshops providers to deliver low cost small business advisory and occurring over a 2 day period during a “Small Business information services. Small businesses employ more than four million Australians nationwide and this Bootcamp” held on 11th & 12th of November 2014. These increased capacity to deliver assistance will help the workshops: sector grow and prosper. The program will deliver “Turbo Charge Your Home Based Business” through five advisory services categories to small business: Left – Federal Member for Mallee “Jingle Bells – Xmas Sells” Andrew Broad at the funding “Get Your Small Business Sorted” 1. Funding avenues and financial analysis; announcement and below launching “Make Social Media Work Harder for You” 2. Building your business; the program at the Swan Hill Field 3. Making the most of your talent and team; ran concurrently and resulted in 129 participants Days with Mayor, Michael Adamson. 4. Management capabilities; and attending one or all of 4 topics over the 2 days. 5. Digital engagement implementation.
Small business operators accessed 1290 individual services: Workshops and participants During the first Quarter of the program much work at the Business Bootcamp has been done to re-establish connections with the Swan Hill and Buloke Shire Economic Development Workshops – Understanding Cash Flow - 38 attendees Units. We have received strong support to promote One-to-one marketing with specialist – 31 sessions the program and our activities and have also had Workshops dealing with retail specific issues – 93 attendees access to Council buildings at no cost to meet with Women in Home-based business marketing workshops – 76 clients and hold workshops. attendees Women in Home-based business - networking events – 34 events Ongoing support has been received from the One-to-one assistance to set up a free Google/MYOB website – 2 Wentworth Shire Council through promotion of the Mentoring – 385 group mentoring during workshops and one to one program and support from the Wentworth branch of Workshop held in sessions the Bendigo Bank with office space during visits Business, Financial and management skills - 233- including skills provided to the Business Advisor at no cost. Donald (below) gained in skills gained from attendance at workshops, together with Our connections with the re-established Mildura one to one sessions Chamber of Commerce have been strengthened Business Planning advice - 301 - including skills gained in skills gained through participation in a round table meeting with from attendance at workshops, together with one to one sessions. Kate Carnell, CEO of the Australian Chamber of General Business advice - 97 - including skills gained in skills gained Commerce & Industry, and hosting the Chamber’s from attendance at workshops, together with one to one sessions. monthly “Business After Dark” event. Sue Rudd Small Business Program Manager
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
Performance – Year in Review Performance – Year in Review Small Business Advisory Service Program Australian Small Business Advisory Service Program
The Small Business Advisory Service The Australian Small Business Advisory Service th (SBAS) program commenced on 1st April (ASBAS) program commenced on 10 March st 2013, and concluded on 30th June 2014 2015, and will conclude on 31 March 2018
Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc. were successful in applying for funding through SunRCS were successful in their application to provide low cost services to small the Department of Industry to provide high quality, low cost business advisory services businesses in the Wentworth, Mildura, Swan Hill and Buloke Shire regions through the that will be targeted toward improving the business and/or financial management skills Help 4 Small Business program, as part of the Australian Small Business Advisory of participating small businesses. The program was required to assist 160 small Service Program. businesses and this target was well exceeded and we were advised by AusIndustry that we had provided services to 234 small businesses during the program. The ASBAS Program aims to improve the capacity of established not-for-profit small business advisory service A very successful initiative saw 15 of the total workshops providers to deliver low cost small business advisory and occurring over a 2 day period during a “Small Business information services. Small businesses employ more than four million Australians nationwide and this Bootcamp” held on 11th & 12th of November 2014. These increased capacity to deliver assistance will help the workshops: sector grow and prosper. The program will deliver “Turbo Charge Your Home Based Business” through five advisory services categories to small business: Left – Federal Member for Mallee “Jingle Bells – Xmas Sells” Andrew Broad at the funding “Get Your Small Business Sorted” 1. Funding avenues and financial analysis; announcement and below launching “Make Social Media Work Harder for You” 2. Building your business; the program at the Swan Hill Field 3. Making the most of your talent and team; ran concurrently and resulted in 129 participants Days with Mayor, Michael Adamson. 4. Management capabilities; and attending one or all of 4 topics over the 2 days. 5. Digital engagement implementation.
Small business operators accessed 1290 individual services: Workshops and participants During the first Quarter of the program much work at the Business Bootcamp has been done to re-establish connections with the Swan Hill and Buloke Shire Economic Development Workshops – Understanding Cash Flow - 38 attendees Units. We have received strong support to promote One-to-one marketing with specialist – 31 sessions the program and our activities and have also had Workshops dealing with retail specific issues – 93 attendees access to Council buildings at no cost to meet with Women in Home-based business marketing workshops – 76 clients and hold workshops. attendees Women in Home-based business - networking events – 34 events Ongoing support has been received from the One-to-one assistance to set up a free Google/MYOB website – 2 Wentworth Shire Council through promotion of the Mentoring – 385 group mentoring during workshops and one to one program and support from the Wentworth branch of Workshop held in sessions the Bendigo Bank with office space during visits Business, Financial and management skills - 233- including skills provided to the Business Advisor at no cost. Donald (below) gained in skills gained from attendance at workshops, together with Our connections with the re-established Mildura one to one sessions Chamber of Commerce have been strengthened Business Planning advice - 301 - including skills gained in skills gained through participation in a round table meeting with from attendance at workshops, together with one to one sessions. Kate Carnell, CEO of the Australian Chamber of General Business advice - 97 - including skills gained in skills gained Commerce & Industry, and hosting the Chamber’s from attendance at workshops, together with one to one sessions. monthly “Business After Dark” event. Sue Rudd Small Business Program Manager
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC. ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 SUNRAYSIA RURAL COUNSELLING SERVICE INC.
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Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc.
2014-2015 Annual Report
Reg. No. A0005536N ABN 70 870 481 312 139 Lime Avenue PO Box 2824 Mildura Vic 3500 T 03 5022 0799 F 03 5022 0599 [email protected]
All enquiries: 1300 769 489 www.sunrcs.com.au
Supported by the Australian Government and the Victorian Government