THE federal government's latest drought assistance funding has prompted scores of farmers from across the region to consult with their local rural financial counsellor.
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The $3000 one-off payment, available through the government's Drought Community Support Initiative, is designed to help farmers cover the cost of day-to-day expenses.
Since the funding became available in November, counsellors across the region have seen a spike in new and existing clients.
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Rural Financial Counselling Northern NSW executive officer Gary Goldberg said an overwhelming number of clients were using the funds for "the bare necessities".
"Honestly, the demand we have seen so far is for basic stuff such as making sure people have enough to eat," Mr Goldberg said.
"It might sound a bit obvious, but that is the reality of the situation for many of the people we have seen.
"Things are really tough out there, that's for sure."
Covering the entire northern section of the state, Mr Goldberg said the service had seen an increased demand due to recent bushfires.
"Out of the 110 bushfires that have been burning, around 100 of those have been in our area of operations," he said.
"Those fires virtually began in August and have been prevalent ever since.
"I've been in this job for three years and my first experience with natural disaster was cyclone Debbie, but it was not on the scale of this.
"It has certainly caused a spike in the need for our services."
Mr Goldberg said the loss of stock to fire had been heartbreaking for farmers.
"It's difficult to put an exact number of stock lost during these fires," he said.
"Some have only lost one or two, and I know of another farmer who lost about 70 head of cattle.
"But if I had to put a figure on it, I would say on average farmers lost about 30 head of stock due to the fires."
The funding is available through a partnership between The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society.
"I encourage anyone who is in need to get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction in terms of this funding," Mr Goldberg said.
"Helping with this funding is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of services we offer.
"Even if you're in a good position, there is plenty we can do, so I encourage everyone to reach out."
Parkes MP Mark Coulton said the latest funding was further proof of the government's commitment to drought-stricken farmers.
"The government invested more than $30 million in round one of this program, providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance to farming households, and I'm pleased the DCSI is delivering again," Mr Coulton said said.
"This is on top of the government's suite of measures, including the Farm Household Allowance, to assist farming communities during times of hardship.
"This money will be delivered in partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army who have done an outstanding job supporting communities across the Parkes electorate."
Applications should be made through one of the following charities:
St Vincent de Paul Society | www.vinnies.org.au/droughthelp http://www.vinnies.org.au/droughthelp | Phone: 1300 846 643.
Salvation Army | www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought | Phone: 1300 551 030.
