The meetings were about future-proofing businesses and promoting the services provided to the local community. 

At the Katherine meeting, held at Knotts Crossing, Rural Financial Counsellor Charlie Goode said the meetings are about promoting the services and supporting the primary producers. 

“We want people to know we are here and that (the RBS organisation) is a free and confidential service – we really want people to know it’s a confidential service,” Goode said. 

Leading the meeting was RBS CEO Brett Smith who spoke about the importance of being prepared despite the improved seasonal conditions and strong production in the horticultural industry. 

“Things are good, but we need to be prepared and we need to have our organisation continuing to work with people,” Smith said. 

“A lot of people don’t know where to go and sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. We want (primary producers) to know it’s okay to ask for help. We can point them in the right direction,” he said. 

“We have subsequently maintained a presence in the NT to work with those who need assistance at any time.

“This can be at times of adverse events, which inevitably occur due to the fact that droughts, floods, market prices and diseases and pests are ongoing issues that primary producers need to deal with.”

RBS has had a strong presence in the NT region since 2011 when the live export cattle ban was passed.

RBS works with a wide range of rural industries across the NT, from Darwin to Katherine and further south to Alice Springs.