Celebrating Excellence at the SAFCA Awards 2024

Rural Business Support (RBS) would like to highlight the extraordinary achievements of our team members at the 2024 South Australian Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA) Awards, held at Adelaide Oval on 13 November.

These awards honour the exceptional contributions of financial counsellors and capability workers across South Australia and the Northern Territory, and we are immensely proud of our award winners and nominees.

Lloyd Wright – Winner of the Standing Ovation Award

Lloyd Wright has been recognised with the prestigious Standing Ovation Award, a testament to his outstanding advocacy, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to the financial counselling sector.

As a financial counsellor in the Riverland, Lloyd’s dedication to supporting diverse communities, including minority groups and flood-affected farmers, has been nothing short of remarkable. His work with the Punjabi (Sikh) community demonstrates his cultural sensitivity and willingness to adapt communication methods to meet the needs of his clients.

During the recent red wine grape industry crisis, Lloyd drew upon his extensive wine industry expertise to provide critical support to growers. His innovative approach included establishing regular meeting days at accessible locations, ensuring that RBS’s services were approachable and effective.

Lloyd also serves as a SAFCA professional supervisor, sharing his wealth of knowledge through group discussions and case study presentations. His ability to inspire, empower, and lead by example has made him a pillar of excellence within RBS and the wider financial counselling sector.

Libby Baldock – Winner of the Fields of Change Award

Libby Baldock has been awarded the Fields of Change Award for her outstanding contribution to regional, rural, and remote communities in South Australia.

As a financial counsellor based on the Eyre Peninsula, Libby has shown exceptional creativity and determination in overcoming the unique challenges faced by her clients. From poor connectivity to vast distances, she has tackled these barriers head-on, providing vital support through innovative remote counselling techniques.

Libby’s work goes beyond immediate financial issues, addressing holistic needs such as access to pensions, grants, and improved budgeting and IT skills. One of her standout successes involved helping a struggling livestock producer regain financial stability, enabling him to sell his farm, reduce debt, and continue living on the land he cherishes.

Her strategic, empathetic, and client-centred approach has made a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities, embodying the very best of RBS’s mission to empower rural clients.

Afton Kennedy – Nominated for the Above and Beyond Award

We are incredibly proud of Afton Kennedy, whose nomination for the Above and Beyond Award highlights her dedication and exceptional skills as a financial capability worker.

Afton’s ability to build rapport with rural clients has been instrumental in achieving positive outcomes, including appeals against application rejections and improved computer literacy for remote support. Her innovative work in operational system development has strengthened collaboration between program support officers and financial counsellors, ensuring seamless support for clients.

Through her commitment and thorough approach, Afton has demonstrated the transformative impact of financial capability work on rural communities, making her a true asset to RBS.

Julianne Fiebig – Nominated for the Inspiring Supervisor Award

Julianne Fiebig’s nomination for the Inspiring Supervisor Award reflects her exceptional leadership and unwavering support for financial counsellors under her supervision.

With eight years of experience at RBS, Julianne has fostered a culture of trust and professional growth. Her innovative training methods, such as an ethics training game, and her ability to handle complex ethical dilemmas with compassion, set her apart as a leader in the sector.

Julianne’s impact extends beyond supervision, as she actively contributes to RBS’s management and regional leadership teams, while also mentoring others and managing her own client load. Her commitment to excellence and professional development inspires everyone she works with.

We are incredibly proud of Lloyd, Libby, Afton, and Julianne. Their achievements and nominations reflect their professionalism, creativity, and compassion, as well as the dedication they bring to empowering rural communities facing financial challenges.

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RBS offers a well of support in hard times – Stock Journal Viewpoint

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RBS welcomes diverse new leadership to champion resilience in rural communities

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Rural Business Support (RBS) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Daniel Casement, Kevin Reid, and Christine Hahn.

With robust backgrounds in agribusiness, finance, and community leadership, these esteemed professionals bring invaluable skills that will further enhance RBS’s mission to support and strengthen rural communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

 

Daniel Casement: Strategic Leader in Resilience and Emergency Management

Daniel Casement brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), where he led critical emergency management programs addressing droughts, bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now serving as CEO of the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association, Mr. Casement is known for his ability to shape big-picture strategies and implement resilience-building initiatives that align with RBS’s focus on strengthening rural capacity.

Through his previous roles, Mr. Casement has also demonstrated a commitment to wellbeing initiatives within the Department of Health and Wellbeing. His extensive experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects makes him a valuable asset to RBS, especially as the organisation seeks to improve emergency response readiness and expand resilience programs to help rural businesses tackle adversity with confidence and adaptability.

 

Kevin Reid: Philanthropic Leader with Deep Rural Connections

Kevin Reid joins the RBS Board with over 20 years as a Chartered Accountant and partner at PwC in both Sydney and Adelaide and over ten years’ experience as a company director.

As the former leader of PwC’s Adelaide Health and Community Services practice, Mr. Reid worked closely with renowned organisations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Maari Ma Aboriginal Health which deliver critical health services to rural communities.

Currently the Chair and President of Meals on Wheels SA, Mr. Reid has gained firsthand insights into the needs of South Australia’s rural regions, fostering connections throughout the state. Mr. Reid was recently a director of a major dairy manufacturer based in rural South Australia.

Mr. Reid’s leadership extends to the board of Can:Do Group, and previously the Maggie Beer Foundation, where he applies a strong focus on governance and community wellbeing. His commitment to supporting rural communities aligns seamlessly with RBS’s Strategy 2030 goals, which emphasise the expansion of the RBS Relief Fund to provide practical assistance to farmers and small business owners during tough times. His philanthropic experience will contribute to positioning the Relief Fund as a key component of the regional philanthropic landscape.

 

Christine Hahn: Governance Expert with Lived Experience in Agribusiness

Christine Hahn brings extensive governance experience and a deep connection to agribusiness. A former CEO of Barossa Valley Estate, Ms. Hahn has held senior roles on audit and risk committees for multiple local councils, including those for Clare & Gilbert Valleys, Mitcham, Yankalilla, and Gawler. Her commitment to sound financial oversight and strategic planning is aligned with Strategy 2030’s objectives to improve governance and expand inclusive services for rural and regional communities.

Beyond her professional credentials, Ms. Hahn and her family operate a multi-generational vineyard and livestock enterprise in the Barossa Valley. This hands-on experience provides her with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by rural businesses. Ms. Hahn’s combined expertise in governance and lived experience in agribusiness will help RBS continue to deliver meaningful programs that directly benefit the rural communities it serves, supporting sustainable and resilient business practices​.

 

A New Era of Leadership for Rural Business Support

The addition of Mr. Casement, Mr. Reid, and Ms. Hahn to the Board marks an exciting phase for RBS as it enhances its capacity to deliver targeted support for rural and regional communities.

“With the addition of Daniel, Kevin, and Christine, we are building a Board with exceptional breadth and depth. Their combined expertise in agribusiness, health and community services, as well as governance brings fresh perspectives and invaluable insights that align perfectly with our Strategy 2030 goals,” said Peter Treloar, RBS Chair of Board.

“This diversity strengthens our ability to respond to the complex challenges facing rural communities and ensures that RBS remains a trusted partner for farmers and small and family-owned business owners and the communities they serve across South Australia and the Northern Territory.”

The RBS Board comprises Chair Peter Treloar, Simon Venus, Dr. Rebecca Mohr-Bell, Marc Allgrove, Christine Hahn, Daniel Casement and Kevin Reid. Together, they will drive RBS’s strategic initiatives and support rural resilience across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kat Giles, Caroline Rhodes, and Claudia Goldsmith for their invaluable contributions as members of the Rural Business Support Board.

Their dedication has been instrumental in RBS’s growth, helping to establish essential services such as the RBS Relief Fund, the Landowner Information Service (LIS), and the Small Business Financial Counselling Service. Together, they have played a crucial role in strengthening rural communities and steering RBS through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and the Murray River flood, laying a solid foundation for the future.

(L-R) RBS CEO, Brett Smith, welcomes newly appointed board members Christine Hahn, Daniel Casement and Kevin Reid, along with RBS Chair, Peter Treloar.

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Stock Journal – Push for more Govt support

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Stock Journal – Business risk ‘less’ in regions

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Bunyip – Business Support for Regional Communities

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Victor Harbor Times – Farming financial support

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Boots on for Rural Support

(L-R) Angelo Demasi, CEO South Australian Produce Market, Brett Smith, CEO Rural Business Support, Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Nathan Kosmina, CEO Adelaide United Football Club.

The second annual Rural Support Charity Soccer Match was held as a curtain raiser on Friday 12th April, prior to Adelaide United’s last home game for the 2024 season against Mcarthur Bulls.

In a rematch of last years Flood Recovery Match, the Pick A Local, Pick SA! team made up of local producers and market wholesalers had a score to settle with last year’s winners SA Government team consisting of PIRSA staff, state politicians (including Minister Scriven) and emergency responders.

Throughout the majority of the match the Pick A Local, Pick SA! team looked in command and enjoyed a considerable lead, but late in the game the SA Government team poured on the pressure to level out the final score to draw 6-6.

With bragging rights on the line, a penalty shoot out was required to determine the winners, and much to the disappointment of the Pick A Local, Pick SA!  team, the SA Government won the shoot out 6-4, and walked away with the cup for the second consecutive year.

The match raised over $63,000 to assist farming families who are already doing it tough, trying to meet their everyday needs, such as putting food on their own tables, while they work hard to put food on ours.

This match was made possible through the generous support of:

Please contact Mon Saunders, Communications and Philanthropy Manager at RBS on 1800 836 211 if you wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the RBS Relief Fund, or to chat about how you can assist us to support farmers who are experiencing tough times.

(L-R) Pick A Local, Pick SA team v SA Government Team

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Murray Pioneer: Financial support available for growers

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