Q&A with Jillian Hage: Supporting Mossman farmers through economic challenges

RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR

Jules Foxlee

Journalist

Email Jules
Last updated:
Rural Financial Counsellor, Jillian Hage, helps local farmers navigate financial challenges following the mill's closure. Picture: Jules Foxlee

Rural Financial Counsellor Jillian Hage comes from an old Mossman family. Previously employed by the Mossman mill, along with three generations of her family, she now works supporting local farmers through, “these uncertain times.”

Newsport: Tell us a bit about yourself

JH: I was born in Cairns, but grew up in Western Australia, returning home in 2012 with my children. Both sides of mum’s family, the Rutherfords and the Fischers, are from the Mossman area. The Rutherfords were cane farmers in Miallo, and my great, great, great grandfather was one of the founding fathers of the Mossman sugar mill.  Last year, my mum, two brothers, daughter, and I all worked at the mill across three generations. My eldest brother has been there since school, my younger brother is an assistant engineer, my mum started as a sugar analyst in 2022, and my daughter worked there while studying paramedicine. I began at the mill in 2018 through a business internship, later working in various roles until becoming HR in 2023.

Newsport: Can you describe the impact of the mill's closure on your family?

My older brother has had to go Fly In Fly Out (FIFO), leaving his young family at home for two weeks at a time, my younger brother has been employed by the local Council, mum has retired, and my daughter is focusing on her studies and doing some part-time work in town. We all own houses and have ties in the Douglas Shire, so moving away isn’t really an option. I started working with the Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland in June 2024.

Newsport: Tell us about your current role?

I love my current role as it has given me an opportunity to help the farmers of the region in these uncertain times. Our service is a free, confidential, and impartial service, that provides independent tailored support to primary producers, fishers and small related businesses like harvesting contractors experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. We tailor support to the farmer by meeting them on-farm and then supporting them as needed using a case management methodology.    

Newsport: What sort of help do you provide?

We can assist with identifying options, preparing Cash Flow and Asset and Liability statements, business planning, loan applications, negotiating with lenders and assisting with repayment plans, retirement and pre-succession planning, disaster assistance applications and other government schemes, and accessing Centrelink Farm Household Allowance.

Our service also has a Business Wellness Coach, Thelma, who was specifically appointed to support the Mossman area due to the Mill closure. Thelma takes a holistic approach to helping clients and looks at each situation differently. The first question Thelma will ask you is, “What has happened to you, what do you need? How best can we help you?”. 

Our service also employs Small Business Financial Counsellors, who are available to assist small to medium enterprises who are suffering from financial hardship.

Newsport: Why does this job matter to you?

Coming from HR, I’m a people person, I saw the impact the mill closure had on employees, many of which were more like friends and family, and I see the impact the mill closure has had on our growers and our small community. I want to be able to help the growers as best I can so that we are all able to move forward during these challenging times, making sure that everyone makes it through to the other side. Having come from a difficult situation I can understand the challenges that the growers are facing, and they may feel alone in all of this, but they are not alone, there is help available.

Newsport: What kind of challenges are locals facing?

For the growers, a huge challenge is how much of their crop will be cut, and what to do with the paddocks that are cut out, do they ratoon them (let them regrow) or kill off their cane?  If they ratoon the cane, they face the possibility of it not being harvested next year, but if they spray it out and the mill does get a buyer, they’ve killed off a potential source of income. They also must decide if they are going to fertilize the ratooned cane.

Newsport: What would you say to someone who might find it hard to ask for help?

Please reach out, it’s better to ask for help early on rather than waiting for the situation to escalate. Help is easier when it’s proactive, rather than reactive. Always remember our service is free and confidential. We will never advise you, instead we will explore what options are available to you so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

It’s important to remember you won’t be the first person in this situation, and you won’t be the last. We won’t judge you because you need a hand up, as we have all been there at some stage in our lives.

Newsport: How can people get in touch?

You can reach out to me on 0473 659 599 or [email protected] or contact Business Wellness Coach Thelma on 0473 877 258 or [email protected]. You can also phone our head office on 07 4652 5669 or head to www.rfcsnq.com.au and select the service you wish to access. 

Newsport: How long do you work with people?

We are here as long as you need us, be that a couple of months to a couple of years.

Support public interest journalism

Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.

Got a news tip?

Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.

Comments

Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.