Third-generation farmer Narelle Clatworthy put on a brave smile when attending a one-stop shop for drought support and information in Dubbo.
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In her bag was an electricity bill of more than $2750 and a quarterly local government rates notice of about $2800 for a family property that has been in drought for almost five years.
She received an email from NSW Farmers about the Dubbo session, one of 19 being run by the federal government to help drought-affected farmers and agricultural businesses in NSW.
They bring together government agencies, charities and other groups keen to provide funding and support services or access to them.
On Wednesday afternoon at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, tables were manned by representatives of the likes of the Australian Tax Office, Department of Human Services, NSW Farmers, NBN Co, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, Rotary and Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS).
The RFCS NSW farm liaison officer Jennifer Jeffrey was among the people lending a hand.
"We are working closely at the moment with the Department of Human Services in regard to the Farm Household Allowance," she said.
"People are not sure if they are eligible. It is very important that they don't self-assess."
The allowance, tax subsidies, farm investment and drought loans, employment assistance, insurance rebates and the $30 million Drought Community Support initiative which provides recipients with up to $3000 in cash and vouchers were on offer.
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Narelle Clatworthy is among an average 50 to 80 people attending individual sessions which will run until mid-March.
She said the Dubbo session was "fantastic".
Ms Clatworthy knows adversity from previous droughts, flooding which sent "1300 round bales of hay down the river" and being "burnt out in the 1984 bushfires".
She declares the current drought to be the worst she has experienced in her lifetime.
"We just need rain," the farmer said.
For session locations and dates visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/outreach.
