Financial support resources

The National Debt Helpline offers a free, confidential, and independent financial counselling service for people who may be experiencing financial difficulty. A financial counsellor can provide free advice to help you explore your options, put sustainable plans in place, learn how to best negotiate challenging conversations, and get your finances back under control.  Call 1800 007 007 on Monday – Friday between 9:30 am – 4:30 pm or chat online on Monday – Friday between 9.00 am – 8.00 pm.  

Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) provides assistance to primary producers, farmers, and rural landholders impacted by floods, including animal welfare issues resulting from floods and agricultural impact assessments. 
Anyone with urgent animal welfare issues should contact AgVic by calling 136 186 on Monday – Friday between 8.00 am – 6.00 pm.  AgVic is recommending that farmers ensure their Property Identification Codes (PIC) details are up to date as this will assist them to receive important information relating to emergency relief and recovery activities within an impacted zone. 

Applications for the four different grants, subsidies, and concessional loans as part of Rural Finance's Victorian Flood Recovery Package have now closed.

The Business Recovery Advisory Service has replaced the Business Relief Service. This new service offers access to support services including financial counselling and business coaching, and helps businesses identify immediate and long-term needs to ensure business continuity and resilience. Visit the Business Victoria website for details and to register your interest.

Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Victoria – North East offers free and confidential financial counselling services for primary producers and small businesses. Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs) understand farming and business, having the qualifications and experience to counsel those who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship. Contact 1300 834 775 or email info@agbizassist.org.au.  

Assist Small Biz provide free support to regional and rural small businesses that have been impacted by natural disaster and economic downturn. They can offer grant support and business and financial planning services to support your business to recover. Contact 1300 032 332 or visit the AgBiz Assist website. 

National support line staffed by specialist small business financial counsellors – immediate assistance and referral for ongoing support. Call 1800 413 828 or visit sbdh.org.au for an online chat between 9.00 am – 5.30 pm, weekdays. Please note they can assist you with applying for flood relief grants. 

RuralAid offers counselling services to farmers and their families. They can also assist with needs including fodder, domestic water and financial assistance.  Contact 1300 327 624 or visit ruralaid.org.au for more information.  

RuralAid – Farm Army site provides a platform for farmers who are seeking assistance to gain assistance with jobs. Farmers can advertise the jobs for paid or volunteer assistance in areas like farm labourer, fencing and more. For more information visit farmarmy.com.au

Partners in Wellbeing provides free and confidential support for sole traders, small business owners, and their employees.  This service can provide personal support to improve wellbeing, financial counselling to manage debts and regain control of your finances, and business advice to develop business plans for the future. Call 1300 375 330 on Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 10.00pm or Saturday – Sunday between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. 

Partners in Recovery has a dedicated COVID and Storm Recovery Program Provider for the Murrindindi, Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shires: 

Christabel Sibanda, Mental Health Clinician / Consultant.

Call: 0459 465 011