In the spirit of reconciliation, NEX acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.
We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

2025 Annual Report Summary

Online Summary

Full Downloadable Report

Welcome & Acknowledgement

Dean Cullen, Chairperson

This year has been a pivotal year in the context of our proud heritage established over the past 40 years.

A year that has stretched our thinking, challenged our staff and ultimately strengthened our resolve and capability to support the people who sit at the heart of regional Victoria—our farmers, our rural businesses, and our communities.

This year marked a significant milestone with the formal transition to our new business name—NEX Business Farming Wellness. While our identity has evolved under a new brand , our mission remains unwavering: to champion and empower our clients to plan and build better futures.

This change has offered us more than a fresh brand; it has opened the door to new opportunities which complement our core Rural Financial Counselling Program.

This year, 468 clients engaged with our team, with an approximate 10% increase from the previous year in new or returning clients.

The drought has had varying impacts across our region. We know that 75% of our active clients are impacted from prolonged dry seasons, with clients new and returning, continuing to access the RFCS program and drought support programs.

Our Detect & Protect Wellness Program continues to be one of our most impactful innovations. It acknowledges a person’s financial wellbeing is inseparable from their emotional wellbeing

I would like to acknowledge our funding partners—the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action—thank you for your trust and continued investment.

My sincerest thanks to our Board and our Executive Officer for your leadership and respectful manner in which you are guiding our ability to strengthen the resilience, health and prosperity of rural and regional communities.

Our Vision

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to strengthening resilience & prosperity of rural & regional communities.

Mission

We empower our clients to navigate challenges, seize opportunities and build better futures.

Goals

To be the preferred Trusted Business Partner - inspiring change, delivering exceptional services and empowering businesses to thrive.

To be valued by our clients, stakeholders & community.

Funding

Funding for the Rural Financial Counselling program has been extended to 30 June 2027.

Financial Report

NEX is a not-for-profit funded by State and Federal government to deliver the Rural Financial Counselling Program.

$1.794M Total Funding

$1.963M Total Expended

2025 Key Expenditure

2024 Key Expenditure

Operational Report

Kylie Holmes, Executive Officer

We had the privilege of walking alongside 468 clients - individuals, families and farm businesses who reached out in moments of uncertainty and pressure, looking for a way forward. Through longer-term planning, timely short-term support and guidance from the very first enquiry, our team has helped people move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more in control of their future. We know this because our clients tell us, either through the satisfaction survey or the heartfelt testimonials provided in our client stories.

We continue to adapt to changing conditions across Gippsland, we strengthened the foundations of our service through the transition to NEX, and we have focused on continuing to provide excellent services. Our stories and impact have been shared at 167 outreach events, with nearly 500 hours of face-to-face engagement, which is important because sometimes the first step is simply knowing support is available.

To our team, THANK YOU! None of this happens without the compassion you bring to every conversation, the calm you offer in the hard moments, and the dedication you show to helping clients feel heard, supported and hopeful, from that first initial call, or a casual conversation at an event. Your work changes lives, one call, one meeting, one step at a time.

Key Performance Indicators

The four pillars of our KPI framework, aligned to the overall strategic plan, allow us to clearly monitor organisational progress.

These metrics are reviewed by the Board and guide continuous improvement, enhance our service delivery, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of our rural and regional communities. The metrics also allow us to track staff happiness and engagement, strengthening our internal culture.

People & Culture

55% achieved

Our organisation embraces a culture of continuous improvement.

Governance

52% achieved

We embed best practice to ensure governance & compliance obligations are met, & programs are successfully delivered.

Service Excellence

69% achieved

Our team work collaboratively to inspire change, providing clients with clear pathways to sustainable futures; improving financial & general wellbeing.

Sustainability

18% achieved

We pursue opportunities to enhance or expand our services safeguarding our long-term success.

Client Profile

NEX has assisted 468 clients for the financial year.

Behind each of these numbers is a story. A family. A business. A future.

Total Client Cases 2025

Total Client Cases 2024

2025 Client Industry Breakdown

2024 Client Industry Breakdown

History of Client Assistance

Client Outcomes

Our organisation's value is deeply entrenched in the feedback received from clients, stakeholders, and the community.

We are pleased to report a client satisfaction rating of 96% with services received and an overall satisfaction rating of 99%, as validated by client surveys conducted throughout the year.