Practical Support for Rural Families When it’s Need Most

The RBS Relief Fund provides practical, timely financial support to farming and rural families facing hardship due to events beyond their control.

From drought, flood and natural disasters to industry shocks and unexpected personal circumstances, the Relief Fund helps ease immediate pressure so families can stabilise and focus on next steps.

The Relief Fund is designed to complement Rural Business Support’s Financial Counselling Services, not replace them. By providing short-term relief alongside longer-term financial guidance, we help families navigate difficult periods with dignity, clarity and support.

Our Mission

The Relief Fund focuses on practical assistance that addresses real, day-to-day needs. Small grants can make a significant difference, helping cover essential costs such as groceries, utilities, school expenses, medical bills during periods of extreme pressure.

Importantly, support through the RBS Relief Fund is delivered with a strong understanding of local communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory. This ensures assistance reaches those who need it most, when they need it, and in a way that supports longer-term financial wellbeing.

Make a Difference Today

When rural families are under pressure, small amounts of support can make a meaningful difference.

Your donation helps cover everyday costs like groceries, utilities, fuel and medical expenses during periods when income is stretched or disrupted.

Every contribution supports practical relief, delivered quickly and responsibly to families who need it most.

RBS is an independent charity registered with the ACNC and has deductible gift recipient status. This means that donations over $2 may be tax deductible in Australia.

Allocating our Resources

The Rural Business Support Relief Fund is committed to using donated funds responsibly and where they are needed most.

No more than 20% of donations are retained for essential administration and impact reporting. This ensures the majority of funds are directed toward providing practical support to farming families and small rural businesses during times of hardship.

Transparency is central to how the Relief Fund operates. We report on how funds are distributed and the support delivered, so donors and partners can understand the difference their contribution makes.

Your support helps ensure the Relief Fund can respond effectively and responsibly when rural families need assistance.

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Our Impact

Since its launch in July 2022, the RBS Relief Fund has provided meaningful support to rural families experiencing financial distress, working closely with Financial Counsellors and trusted partners to deliver assistance responsibly and effectively.

The RBS Relief Fund plats a vital role during times of prolonged pressure, when families are managing the cumulative impact of weather events, market volatility, rising costs and reduced income, and when other forms of assistance may bedelayed or unavailable.

Annual Impact Reports

Impact Report

2024

Impact Report

2023

Case Study

Rural Business Support Relief Fund

“Once we negotiated new arrangements with creditors, I finally had some breathing room.”

Rural, small and family-owned businesses in Central Australia are at the heart of the region’s economy, yet they are facing unprecedented challenges. Rising costs of living, increasing labour and input expenses, and declining tourism have left many struggling to stay afloat.

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Rural Business Support Relief Fund

“It helped us move from reacting to problems to being prepared for them.”

RBS recently led the Small Business Disaster Risk and Reduction Program, funded by the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation, to strengthen the resilience of bushfire-impacted businesses in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island.

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Rural Business Support Relief Fund

“The grant gave me the breathing space I needed to start getting things back on track.”

Since July 2022, 193 Capacity Building Grants, totaling $239,500, have been distributed to families experiencing financial hardship. Delivered as part of a holistic support approach, these grants provide practical assistance while enabling recipients to engage more deeply with financial counselling services and work toward longer-term stability.

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Business Support in Central Australia
Disaster Risk & Reduction
Capacity Grants in Action