FaB Mentors supporting farmers through tough years
A free and confidential service from PIRSA connects farmers with mentors in their area to support them, their businesses and their families through tough times.
Steve Whillas has been living in Port Neill on the Eyre Peninsula for the past eight years.
Whillas is one of 14 Family and Business (FaB) Mentors – a free, independent and confidential service provided by the Department of Primary Industry and Regions (PIRSA) to help support our farmers when things get tough.
As many primary producers experience their driest season on record, the FaB Mentors are there to help them navigate these challenging times, especially those who are also coping with the aftermath of frosts, floods and bushfires.
Whillas works in all areas of SA but his primary focus is the Eyre Peninsula and their needs.
“It’s important to have a FaB Mentor living locally as their time response is quicker,” Whillas said.
“It’s also reassuring to know that each FaB Mentor living locally can offer more detailed knowledge of their region.”
The FaB mentors have diverse business and agricultural backgrounds and provide support to regional communities across the state, including Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu and Lower Murray, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Riverland, Northern and Yorke, Greater Adelaide and Pastoral areas.
PIRSA FaB Mentors Robyn Cain, Steve Whillas and John Chase
The State Government recently announced an extra $1 million for additional health and wellbeing support through the Family and Business Support Program, which includes the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the FaB mentors, as part of a new drought support package.
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This is on top of an existing $4.4 million budget commitment over four years to these vital services.
The services are available for primary producers who are experiencing business impacts from all sorts of challenging conditions, including:
- drought
- bushfire
- severe floods or storms
- fruit fly outbreaks
- fishing and aquaculture industry reforms
- wine industry market change
- pest and disease outbreaks.
With his independent and caring nature, Whillas understands the conditions people are facing on the Eyre Peninsula.
He can help in a variety of ways, including providing advice on preparing for droughts with his areas of expertise including farming, grain marketing, succession planning, community and mental health.
All FaB mentors work closely with service providers and can connect people to services, including:
- financial counselling
- local health networks
- emotional wellbeing and counselling services
- government and non-government assistance
- community organisations.
“Our services are free and confidential. I’m here to listen if you just need someone to talk to,” Whillas said.
“I can also connect you with industry professionals and support networks if needed – I’m happy to guide you in the right direction.”
Judy Wilkinson, another FaB mentor, has lived and worked in the Mid North for over 40 years.
“I currently reside in Clare, but I spent many years farming in the Hummock Ranges (near Lochiel), so I know the area well,” she said.
“Costs have increased over the past few years, which puts pressure on production and makes it harder for families trying to encourage young people to join their businesses.”
PIRSA FaB Mentors Judy Wilkinson and Tracie Heinrich
Wilkinson provides support and guidance to primary producers in the Northern and Yorke region, particularly in the areas of encouraging business continuance, family communication in business and land ownership transfers.
“The FaB Mentor service provides producers with an opportunity to talk to someone who is unbiased towards their situation.
“We can help you navigate tricky situations or point you in the right direction.”
Sally Klose, another FaB Mentor, has been living and working in Lucindale and the Limestone coast for 26 years.
“As a farmer, I understand the complexities and challenges involved with running a farm; the FaB Mentors live and work in the regions, so we understand what’s happening,” Klose said.
“People in the Limestone coast are experiencing the lowest rainfall on record.
“Farmers have been purchasing hay and grain to feed livestock longer than planned and crop growth has been slow.”
Klose’s areas of expertise include project management, strategic planning and communications, as well as stakeholder engagement and governance.
“It’s important to have people in the regions with the skills and experience to offer a helping hand to primary producers,” she said.
“It’s reassuring to know that someone is available to provide support or offer a listening ear when needed.”
While PIRSA has dedicated FaB Mentors for particular regions, farmers can contact any mentor if they have a particular set of skills or expertise that is needed.
Communities experiencing tough times brought on by drought can also apply for a Connecting Communities event grant, announced as part of the drought support package.
Grants of up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) are available to industry, community, not-for-profit, local government and incorporated groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support during these challenging times.
The grants can also be used to support mental health related training opportunities.
These grants are available to all communities in South Australia.
FaB Mentors will be attending many events in the regions and will be available for in-person chats.
Contact a FaB mentor by visiting PIRSA’s website or call the PIRSA Recovery Hotline 1800 931 314.
