DAIRY CODE OF CONDUCT
The government is seeking your feedback on a mandatory code of conduct for the dairy industry to improve fairness and transparency in contract negotiations between dairy farmers and processors.
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Share your ideas with what should be included in a code and how best to address issues including cooling off periods; dispute resolution; enforcing a mandatory code; exclusive supply clauses; retrospective step-downs and contract termination.
Visit here to have your say or attend a meeting of with dairy stakeholders:
Maffra 28 November 2018 10.30am Maffra RSL
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FARM ENERGY ASSESSMENTS SAVE $$$
Be eligible for any future on-farm energy grants - get a FREE farm energy audit:
- Check your electricity, gas & diesel use
- Identify opportunities for efficiencies while maximising use
- Understand renewable energy options
"I'm encouraging all farmers to get into it....dollar for dollar investment in improvements aimed at lowering energy usage and costs...it has to be a good thing!" Poowong Farmer
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RURAL BUSINESS SUPPORT COORDINATOR
The State Government is funding RFCS Gippsland to support small rural businesses in drought-affected areas of Victoria. We are seeking a part-time Rural Business Support Coordinator to deliver this service. The position is approx. 3 days p/week over a 2 year period.
You will liaise with the business community in East Gippsland and surrounding areas coordinating support; coaching and mentoring services, and ensure owners achieve their goals.
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It is essential that applicants have significant financial and business experience with qualifications; be proactive and results orientated; able to positively engage with business owners; as well as have the capacity to travel throughout the Gippsland region. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to make a positive difference within our rural business communities.
If you think you are the right person for the job – Contact Us to express your interest as soon as possible.
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NEW TO OUR TEAM
We welcome Taylor Hammond, a new member to our team managing our communications, as well as coordinating donations generously given by our community and businesses to assist farmers.
Taylor has significant experience working for government and corporate organisations in various capacities including Human Resources; Governance; Business Strategy Planning and Development; Stakeholder Engagement; Public Relations; Graphic Design and Marketing. She has a passion for business, consulting over 1,500 SMEs throughout her career.
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Growing up in Victoria's Murrindindi region, as well as working in regional towns throughout Australia, Taylor has a great affinity with those living and conducting business in rural areas.
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EMERGENCY RELIEF AVAILABLE
Red Cross have partnered with RFCS Gippsland to distribute the Aussie Farmer Drought Relief funds donated by communities Australia Wide.
Up to $3,000 is available towards unpaid household expenses for farmers in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires currently battling the drought.
Download an application or
Contact our Donation Coordinator today for more information.
Other assistance is available - don't hesitate to seek the assistance you deserve:
The Lions Club of Heyfield have received generous donations from their local community to help drought-affected farmers. Contact Us for more information
Aussie Helpers Vic. can provide household and farm help for primary producers in dire need - contact Lindy Morris 0429 906 577
CWA Vic. also have $3,000 available for household expenses. Download an application
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
We want to extend a sincere thank you for the generous donations received from:
Crowe Horwarth Financial Services
ANZ Warragul & Pakenham branches
Lions Club of Heyfield
Lions Club of Glenroy
Armadale Primary School and
Michael’s IGA for their ongoing commitment to our farmers
These donations will provide much needed household relief and emergency assistance via cash, food and fuel vouchers.
On behalf of RFCS Gippsland and our Clients THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US
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RURAL MENTAL HEALTH FORUM - DETECT & PROTECT
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We recently held our first Mental Health forum which was well received by agribusiness farming service providers attending the event. The theme was Detect & Protect, with an expert panel discussing how to detect concerns and advocate support.
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left to right:
Sallie Jones – Gippsland Jersey
Ed Gannon – Publisher The Weekly Times
Lauren McDonald – National Centre for Farmers Health
Robin Lowe – RFCS Gippsland
Owen Connelly – Latrobe Regional Hospital
Brad Missen – Farmers Friend/Lifeline Gippsland
Jo Grzelinska - PHN Gippsland
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RFCS Gippsland Counsellors are all trained in Mental Health First Aid, and in 2019 we will be facilitating RUOK? workshops at community halls and sporting clubs throughout Gippsland – stay tuned for further details and to register your interest.
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REVIEW OUTCOMES - FARM HOUSEHOLD ALLOWANCE
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RFCS Gippsland Executive Officer and Counsellors, along with Gippsland Farmers, Centrelink representatives and Gippsland MP attended the FHA review in Bairnsdale on 22 November to provide feedback about the experience and personal impact of applying for the Farm Household Allowance.
Farmers expressed heartfelt stories of immense frustration, distress and anguish, as well as its impact to their health, wellbeing and that of their relationships.
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Photo left to right: Darren Chester (MP), Chair of FHA review panel Michele Lawrence, RFCSG EO Kylie Holmes
Feedback included, but was not limited to, the excessive amount of 'unnecessary' detail required; significant time it takes to complete; eligibility criteria; processing times; communication mechanisms; issues with the online program; lack of internet and data access; computer literacy and technology access.
Improvement opportunities were also discussed and noted by the review panel. Although farmers recognised the support given by RFCS Gippsland Counsellors and Centrelink staff, as well as being grateful for Government assistance, it was clear that significant improvements and simplification of the scheme is necessary.
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LIONS CLUB NEED FOR FEED with MASTERCHEF
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Farming families in East Gippsland are invited to be part of Channel 10’s filming of Masterchef. Coinciding with Lions Club Need 4 Feed hay relief, this will take place in Briagolong on 18 December 2018
Families will have the opportunity to taste the food prepared during a Masterchef challenge while celebrating the Need 4 Feed convoy of vintage trucks delivering much needed hay in the East Gipplsand district.
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FAMILY NIGHT - FODDER SHORTAGE
FREE EVENT
6 December 6.45pm - 930pm
Dinner, Beer/Wine, Soft Drink & Children’s Entertainment provided
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Bring your family to an advisory session to discuss with experts and neighbouring farmers the best fodder management and water use options for your region and how to make the most of this season as the national fodder and grain markets continue to tighten.
RSVP essential: email or contact GippsDairy on 5624 3900 Download Flyer
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OPEN AIR CINEMA
Giffard CWA are hosting a community
FREE FUN FAMILY NIGHT
1 December from 6pm
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Food provided & BYO drinks, picnic blanket, bean bags or chairs. Download flyer
RSVP essential for catering - contact Dianne 0428 846 605
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HOLIDAY CLOSURE - RFCS Gippsland
A reminder that our RFCS Gippsland offices will be closed from 1.00pm Friday 21 December 2018
and returning Wednesday 2 January 2019
Our Counsellors will be working hard to get all necessary work completed for our clients prior to taking a much needed break.
We hope you all have the ability to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy the festive season.
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RFCS Gippsland 2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Our 2018 Annual report is now available.
Read about our achievements, challenges and focus for 2019.
Download a copy here
Contact us if you would like a hardcopy posted to you.
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FREE TAFE
Time for a career change or getting back into the workforce?
From 1 January 2019 the Victorian Government are offering free priority courses by paying tuition fees (excluding graduation and material fees).
A wide range of certificate and diploma courses are available within industries including: Finance, Cooking and Hospitality, Nursing; Allied and Mental Health, Construction; Furniture Making and Trades, Tourism, Youth; Family; Disability; Aged and Community Services, Justice, Cyber Security, Education, Engineering, Automotive and Electrotechnology, Agriculture and Horticulture, Graphic Arts and Hairdressing.
Eligibile students must fit one of the below criteria:
- Under 20 years of age (any qualification)
- Upskilling (higher qualification perviously attained)
- Jobseeker registered with an employment network
- Retrenched worker
- Automotive supply chain worker
- Looking to change careers (reskill, improve employment prospects and/or meet the needs of local industries)
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