Rural help 200km away

THREE rural support workers have been appointed to affect drought-affected communities across NSW with Tenterfield’s nearest more than 200 kilometres away at Tamworth.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was continuing to ensure farming families receive vital on-ground support during times of hardship, including the expansion of a $14.6 million package of emergency assistance measures to 27 local government areas, and the far west unincorporated area.
“These rural support workers will support communities dealing with the exacerbated drought conditions in NSW,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Rural support workers understand that managing personal well-being is of great importance and will work towards understanding how best to manage their health and well-being, as well as their farming assets.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has joined member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson and member for Upper Hunter George Souris, in welcoming the appointment of Mr David Wiedemann to a new Tamworth-based position.
“With the appointment of Mr Wiedemann, the State Government is ensuring the New England North West will be better serviced, alongside the Upper Hunter,” Mr Anderson said.
“Mr Wiedemann’s experience and expertise will ensure a pro-active approach in assisting communities to deal with the drought by providing families with advice and access to services,” Mr Marshall said.
“The support workers will also connect farmers with Local Land Services officers, who can deliver on-farm support and advisory services such as livestock and pasture management advice and information,” Mr Souris said.
Rural support workers are available across the state, located at Broken Hill, Hay, Albury, Orange, Dubbo, Coonabarabran, Goulburn, Tamworth and Grafton.