WHO WE ARE
Rural Futures is a new organisation whose purpose is to support farmers and rural small business to maintain choice and control over their business decisions.
Having access to data, knowledge and decision-making support ensures that farmers and rural small businesses make better decisions early and maintain control over their future.
The concept was born out of more than 25 years providing Rural Financial Counselling services to communities across 65% of regional NSW.
We saw people lose choices the further they progressed down a path towards leaving their farms and businesses. The pressure to make decisions as things start to spiral out of control impacts the mental, physical and financial health of families, with devastating results.
Purpose
Keep decisions in the hands of farmers and rural small businesses, maintaining choice and control.
How?
By providing access information and support delivered by a trusted source at the right time across the business life cycle.
Components
- Legal
- Financial
- Health and wellbeing
- Emerging trends
BOARD MEMBERS Profiles
Jessica Brown - Chair
Jessica has been on Boards and involved in community organisations across regional NSW for more than 20 years, supported by qualifications and experience in Leadership, Strategy, Engagement and Communication.
Her prior professional experience includes advisory and strategic planning roles with corporate, government and non-government entities. She is the Director – Strategy, Partnerships and Engagement for Dubbo Regional Council. She is an AICD Graduate.
Rod Cooke - Deputy Chair
Rod Cooke has sound governance, leadership, stakeholder management and strategic planning skills developed through his experience in the Army, as a Manager/CEO of organisations including Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council and Orana Education and Training Co-operative Ltd.
He holds Master of Business Administration and is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) with extensive board experience in the rural sector, aged care, small business, national and NSW industry training bodies, and professional association including NSW Government Training Committees.
Rae Craft - DIRECTOR
Rae Craft is a partner in a grazing/cropping farm business and is the Trustee for a local Crown Land Reserve. She has 15 years’ experience as a Federal Public Servant in Human Resources within NSW Western/Central, dealing with all regional businesses and promoting labour market programs including recruitment and a Manager in a small business and is an AICD Graduate.
Janice Stanford - DIRECTOR
Janice Stanford jointly managed a successful family farm business enterprise for 37 years in the Dubbo district, producing cattle and prime lambs and was also a partner in a Dubbo financial planning business for 18 years.
Janice has been an active member of the Country Women’s Association holding various positions at both local and State levels over the years and is an AICD Graduate.