Drought coordinator and major communications push to support southern NSW communities

In addition, the NSW Government is also launching a major direct electronic mail, print, radio and social media campaign designed to ensurefarmers and communities in southern NSW are aware of the drought support available from both the State and Federal Governments.

Ray Willis has stepped into the role of Drought Coordinator and brings extensive experience and local knowledge as the General Manager of Riverina Local Land Services.

By hearing firsthand about local drought impacts and the challenges communities face, he will provide on-ground feedback to government, helping to ensure support meets local needs.

Since being appointed in late November, he has met with several key stakeholders, including Snowy Valleys Council, the Drought Innovation Hub and representatives from the Rural Financial Counselling Service and a range of financial institutions.

Over the coming weeks and months, community members can expect the Drought Coordinator to be travelling across southern NSW, attending local events, convening roundtables, and working closely with service providers to strengthen support networks.

He will also bring together government agencies to improve collaboration and enhance how information on drought support is communicated with communities.

In addition to the appointment of the Drought Coordinator the Minns Government will, over the coming weeks, undertake a major communications campaign focused on ensuring farmers, businesses and locals have a full understanding of both Federal and State drought support available.

The communications will include:

• Radio and print advertising: A two-week campaign commencing in January to raise awareness of drought support.
• Social media campaign: Running from 15 December through January and February, highlighting government assistance available to communities.
• Direct mail outreach: A special edition electronic mailout sent to 7,864 recipients in the Riverina and Murray regions, providing detailed information on drought support and outlining the role of the Drought Coordinator.
• Local Land Services offices: Drought support flyers available in offices to ensure information is accessible at the community level.

Support available for farmers through the NSW Government includes:

• Low-interest loans through the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund
• Farm management tools like MyStockPlanner designed to assist farmers manage variable pasture nutrition, a key challenge in a green drought.
• On-ground support and advice is available through Local Land Services including the Drought Adoption Officer Program.
• Better recognition of drought conditions through the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Program.
• Mental health services such as the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
• $41.5 million has been allocated 2025-26 Budget to support research and development, with a key priority to improve climate resilience.
• Co-funded resilience programs including the Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Program.
• Access to a range of other online resources through the NSW DroughtHub.

The Drought Coordinator has been appointed for six months initially. However, the role may extend and expand its reach as needed into other parts of NSW as drought conditions evolve.

Those interested in reaching out and engaging with the Drought Coordinator can contact [email protected].

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

"The NSW Government is committed to supporting rural and regional communities in times of drought and has a wide range of support available for farmers.

"The appointment of a Drought Coordinator is one way we're making sure that impacted communities have a direct line to government about the challenges they're facing and how support can better meet their needs.

"Our major communication campaign will also ensure everyone who needs to know is fully across the drought assistance that is on offer.

"Ray will provide regular updates on local conditions, highlight emerging issues and challenges, and share advice based off community experience and local expertise to help shape government decision-making."

Drought Coordinator Ray Willis said:

"Having a dedicated drought coordinator on the ground to serve impacted regions across NSW is another touchpoint for landholders to access the help they need to get through these challenging times."

"I look forward to meeting and listening to as many farmers, stakeholders and service providers as possible to hear their perspective of the challenges they face and better inform government of the types of assistance and information required to get them through these dry times."