Subsidised skills training for drought affected farmers and businesses

The NSW Government is subsidising skills training for farmers and regional businesses impacted by the drought to support off farm income and diversification of business practices. Access to this funding aims to provide support to farmers and businesses to manage the impact of the drought.

Due to the severity of the drought, the farming and agriculture sector are experiencing income losses or business closure. Access to funding aims to provide a pathway to alternative income sources or new career options.

What kind of training is available?

Community College is running a range of courses designed to assist drought affected farmers and businesses and their workers as they look to diversify and strengthen their businesses during drought. The range of courses includes classes in business and entrepreneurship, technology, community care, construction, and more.

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What does it cost?

Part qualification training is available under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program. Part qualification training is fully subsidised (ie. fee-free). Under this initiative, access to fully subsidised training for individuals affected by the drought who meet the eligibility criteria has been made a priority.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible an applicant must:

1. Meet Smart and Skilled eligibility criteria. Individuals must be:
• 15 years old or over;
• no longer at school;
• living or working in NSW; and
• an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.
2. Reside in a postcode within Regional NSW (defined as all of NSW excluding Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong metropolitan areas).


3. Be a business owner or farmer in a drought affected area or a contractor or worker who has been displaced as a result of the drought.

For more information about available training or to find out about your eligibility for subsidies contact your local campus coordinator.

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Read about this training in action

Jenny Flynn provides hope and a way forward with her story of learning off farm. Visit the Adult Learning Australia website to find out how she transformed her life through study with the college while hanging onto the family’s small acreage in Narrabri.