June 2025

When drought hits: Facing financial institutions with confidence

For many farmers and rural small business owners in South Australia, the worsening drought brings more than just dry paddocks—it brings serious financial decisions, with limited cash flow ahead and the daunting task of engaging with financial institutions.

These conversations can feel overwhelming. That’s why we encourage you not to face them alone.

Standing beside you: RBS Counsellors

Whether you’re a farmer or a rural small business owner, our Rural Financial Counsellors and Small Business Financial Counsellors are here to help you prepare.

They can guide you through what to expect, help you understand your financial options, and bring clarity and calm to conversations that are often loaded with stress.

What to discuss with financial institutions

Some financial institutions have indicated they’re open to supporting drought-impacted clients through interest-only periods, repayment deferrals or new working capital facilities. But getting this support starts with a proactive, open and informed discussion.

Your counsellor can help you:

• Pull together current cashflow forecasts

• Clarify the drought’s impact on your income

• Identify other support options (concessional loans, grants)

• Build a structured plan to present to your financial institution.

It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about showing you’re thinking strategically and open to suggestions and ideas, even in tough times.

RBS advocating on your behalf

Rural Business Support has strong relationships with multiple financial institutions and meets with them regularly to share on-the-ground insights into the challenges our clients face and to help shape lending policy responses.

We attend all drought advisory and regional round tables across South Australia, reinforcing your voice in decision-making forums. Our close relationship with the Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, ensures that the specific needs of rural communities are heard and understood at the highest levels of state government.

That same commitment to representation extended to the federal stage recently, when the Hon. Julie Collins MP, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, visited South Australia. RBS was proud to provide a Rural Financial Counsellor to accompany her and her team during the two-day visit—helping to bring a human face to the realities being felt across our regions.

By working closely with ministers and government departments such as PIRSA, the Office for Small and Family Business (OSFB), and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), as well as industry leaders, our team helps ensure that the lived experience of drought-affected businesses is part of the conversation.

A better conversation starts with support

You don’t need to carry the weight of these discussions only our own. The earlier you reach out, the more options you may have. We will walk with you.

Our support is free, confidential and independent. If your farm or business needs support, please start with a conversation on FREECALL 1800 836 211.

In the media

2025 Tax time resources

Deductible donations

Did you support your favourite charity this year?

Consider the following points to see if you may be able to claim it in your tax return:

• Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status: You can only claim a tax deduction for a gift or donation to an organisation that has the status of a DGR. You can check here.

• Type of gift or donation: It must be money, property or financial assets such as shares.

• A true gift or donation: You can only claim a gift or donation if you voluntarily transferred money or property without receiving, or expecting to receive, any material benefit or advantage in return.

• Check the conditions: Your donation must comply with any relevant gift conditions. For some DGRs, the income tax law adds conditions affecting the types of deductible gifts they can receive.

• Records: To claim a deduction, you must have a record of your donation, such as a receipt.

If you meet all of the conditions above, you can claim a deduction.

Visit ato.gov.au/giftsdonations  

RBS representatives will be attending the following events.

Varroa Management Training Workshop – MURRAY BRIDGE – Thursday 3 July, 2025

2025 Drought Breaker Lunch – ADELAIDE – Friday 18 July, 2025

Mates with Meals Fleurieu Gin – MYPONGA – Wednesday 23 July, 2025

ICPA Annual National Conference – ADELAIDE – Wed & Thurs 30 & 31 July, 2025

Australian Women in Ag National Conference – ADELAIDE – Tues-Thurs 5-7 August, 2025

Founded in 2006, Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural, regional and remote South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Our programs and services are free, independent and confidential for eligible clients.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

[email protected]

www.ruralbusinesssuport.org.au