In a move to boost agricultural skills and at the same time lift spirits in the bush three organisations have joined forces to provide free courses across the Hunter and Manning regions.
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Flexibility and local delivery are the key features of this drought support and farm recovery initiative. Hunter Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries Rural Resilience Program and local community groups are partnering with Training Services NSW and TAFE NSW to provide a range of fully funded course options such as welding, technology, chainsaw, wool classing or business skills.
NSW Department of Primary Industries, Scone based rural support worker, Karen Sowter said the skill training initiative was one of a range of programs being run to lift morale during the drought.
“Getting people off the farm and talking to each other and learning new skills at the same time is beneficial to everyone involved,” she said.
Karen said if any farmers were unsure where to get advice then please contact her. “Please don’t self assess when it comes to applications for assistance come and talk to us and we can put you in touch with the people who can help at this really tough time,” she said.
Her other advice is to get your drought subsidy application forms in as soon as possible – funding is not finite. She is also running TUFF (Tune Up for Farmers) and SOFT (Shaping our Futures Together) programs to help build resilience and improve farmers mental health and general wellbeing. Karen’s contact: 0400869136.