The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has appointed a new Rural Support Worker to ensure farmers in the Central West have access to support services, information and development opportunities, as well as drought and emergency preparedness and recovery tools.
DPI's Deputy Director General Engagement & Industry Assistance, Brett Fifield said he was pleased to announce the appointment of the 2019 NSW-ACT Agrifutures Rural Women's Award Finalist, Lisa McFadyen to the NSW Rural Resilience Program.
"Lisa will be based in Condobolin and will support farmers, their families and communities throughout the Central West of NSW," Mr Fifield said.
"She is well connected to the region's farming communities through her experience as a property valuer, agronomist and as founder and CEO of Secure Impact, a Rural Property and Agri Asset Marketplace for Australian farmers.
"DPI's Rural Resilience Program works with primary producers across regional and remote NSW to build personal and family resilience by listening, learning and linking rural communities, families and individuals to the best services available or developing new products and opportunities where required.
"It aims to strengthen networks, exchange information and deliver relevant initiatives that build personal skills, business skills and knowledge."
A lack of winter rain has compounded the effects of the ongoing drought for landholders in the Central West.
Ms McFadyen said she is passionate about all aspects of agriculture and looking forward to helping ensure that rural communities remain viable during these dry times.
"I have a strong belief that resilient communities are built by the people within, so I'll be focusing on community events to ensure health and wellbeing, plus skills training and remote work workshops to enable off farm income.
"I also have a key role to play in linking farmers and their families with a broad range of support and assistance they need during these challenging times."
