There's a new face in town and he's here to help.
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That's the crucial message the Parkes Shire's new Drought Response Officer Roger Kitson is sending to farmers, businesses, contractors and anyone else affected by the current drought.
Three weeks into his new role - based at Neighbourhood Central in Currajong Street - Mr Kitson has already met with a number of farmers, but has plans to get out into the community.
His appointment is an outcome from the Parkes Shire Drought Forum held at the Parkes Services Club last September, where Parkes Shire Council discussed, with the community, ways it could spend its $1 million drought assistance funding received from the Australian Government.
Forum participants called for a one-stop-shop coordinator to make it easier for those impacted by the drought to seek help.
Mr Kitson is involved in coordinating efforts regarding financial assistance for grants and funding for farmers and businesses, deferral of loan repayments, mental health services and transport assistance for livestock.
He will also help coordinate assistance in developing infrastructure for farms, local businesses and community groups to increase resilience.
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Mr Kitson has moved to Parkes from the Sunshine Coast and holds a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in sustainability and geography.
He has completed further training in agribusiness, value chains and consumers in global food systems.
"I come from a family with a strong connection to the agricultural sector and have been farming for many generations across a range of agricultural industries including grain, cotton, cattle and sheep, as well as dairy," Mr Kitson said.
"Growing up within and experiencing a diversity of agricultural backgrounds had given me a broad understanding of issues impacting the agricultural sector, regional communities and related businesses which support the agricultural industry and communities."
He said at the moment the majority of local farmers are seeking his help with funding and what their options may be.
"There are so many groups involved in the drought response, they're doing a fantastic job and they're really dedicated," he said.
"My job is to direct [farmers] to these groups and help them out with a realistic approach."
Mr Kitson has a number of plans for the Parkes Shire, one main aim being to encourage more farmers to apply for the funding that is available.
"There's a hell of a lot of funding just sitting there," he said.
"[And] there's a small number of farmers applying for funding.
"For farmers themselves it's a big effort the process they have to go through to apply for grants, there's a lot of paperwork.
"There are about 1400 farmers registered in the Parkes Shire...They have this preconceived idea that it's too hard and too much.
"That's the first challenge...If we can show them that there are people out here who really can help them with it and hopefully we get them on board."
Mr Kitson said farmers are stressed and concerned for the future.
"They are definitely concerned if they don't get enough rain to [sow their next crop] in April/May, they're really looking at another 12 months of no income," he said.
But there is hope in the eyes and hearts of Parkes' farmers, Mr Kitson said.
"The Queensland floods have put things into perspective for them, after seeing what those farmers are going through, they're thinking 'it's not that bad, we can battle on, we can bounce back from this'," he said.
"That's the positives they're holding onto.
"Wool prices and stock prices are at a record high, so they're getting good money for that.
"I attended the ewe competition (in Parkes) last Friday and I was shocked at the quality on show, they've done an incredible job and hats off to them.
"I look forward to working as a collective with everyone involved to provide the necessary support and a coordinated approach to assist farmers and businesses in the Parkes Shire affected by the devastating impacts of the drought."
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM is pleased to see the arrival of a drought officer for the shire.
"We are delighted to welcome [Mr Kitson] to the Parkes Shire to assist in the collation and coordination of all available support avenues that our drought-affected residents can access," he said.
"While the shire has experienced a number of heavy rainfall events in recent weeks, the prolonged dry period continues to impact our community."
Mr Kitson works Monday to Friday and any residents and business operators wishing to speak with him about the various support programs available can call 6862 3757 or email dro@ncentral.org.au.
For more information about drought relief, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/drought-relief