The NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI) Rural Resilience Program has appointed a new coordinator, David Bone, to guide the program's initiatives, which focus on growing personal and business resilience in regional communities across NSW.
Following an early role in communications with the then Department of Agriculture in Dubbo, Mr Bone has worked in regional ABC radio stations, the University of New England and as a drought relief coordinator with NSW Health.
He said it is this last role, and his experience in counselling farmers in crisis, which has given him a great understanding of the challenges farmers face, and what resources can help.
"This new role does feel like coming home to the Department to an extent, and it's great reputation for delivering information to clients across NSW is what the Rural Resilience team is all about," he said.
"The team is proactive in building strong networks, exchanging information and delivering relevant initiatives to help build personal and business resilience skills and knowledge.
"I believe my background both in counselling and in communications creates a good fit in the Rural Resilience Program goal of enabling people to move forward in a positive direction, and I look forward to both the challenges and the wins I will experience."
David Bone said adverse events create very disparate needs amongst rural people.
"Whether it's those working in fisheries on the Far North Coast or even neighbouring properties in the West, the range of challenges can be very broad.
"Through the support of our great team of passionate, regional staff, people can expect tailored solutions to problems, guidance, information and resources to help build those resilience skills and knowledge," he said.
