Rural support provider opens office

LEADING SUPPORT: Rural Business Support rural financial counsellor Lachie Hood and small business financial councillor Darrel Soderlund are expected to become a vital part of the South East community working with RBS, which has recently launched its Mount Gambier office.

RURAL Business Support will expand its reach to Mount Gambier to provide a helping hand to the region’s agricultural sector.

The not-for-profit agribusiness service, which provides independent support to farmers and rural-related businesses, will open a new office in the Blue Lake city.

Located at 152 Jubilee Highway East, the Mount Gambier RBS team will aim to work with eligible impacted farmers and small business owners to develop and implement plans of recovery through its Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and new Small Business Financial Counselling (SBFC) program.

RBS small business financial counsellor Darrel Soderlund has joined the RBS team, based at the organisation’s new Mount Gambier office with Naracoorte-based rural financial counsellor Lachie Hood also working with eligible primary producers.

With issues including the impact of border restrictions, staffing shortages and an uneasiness by some lenders, RBS will offer support for Limestone Coast small business owners to assess their options and find a way forward.

RBS chief executive Brett Smith said RBS financial counsellors could work with small business owners to help prioritise important decisions and develop plans to develop clarity.

“Our financial counsellors live and work in the South East, so they understand the complex challenges involved with operating a business in the current COVID climate,” he said.

“There are a lot of brave faces at the moment, but RBS is urging South East small business owners to see if they’re eligible for our free, independent and confidential services.

“Our team can help you consider different options you may have to improve your business, then work with you to develop a plan to keep the business on track and you feeling in control.”

Rural Business Support is funded to deliver the RFCS and SBFC programs by the Australian and South Australian governments.

Call RBS on 1800 836 211 or visit www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au for more information.