Rural Counselling

Peter Gerard-Smith


 

Peter has worked extensively throughout New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory within the agriculture sector. Working initially in an Accounting role with an Agribusiness Company, Peter than moved into livestock Sales and Purchasing, Auctioneering and Real Estate Sales. Peter worked for 2 years with American Company "king Ranch" in the Northern Territory on "Brunette Downs" as a Livestock overseer. Peter then returned to continue working for Agribusiness Companies throughout New South Wales and Victoria. In 1997 Peter then commenced employment with the Federal Government working as a Rural Counsellor for 10 years until he took up duties full time with Cater and Blumer. Peter's experience and qualifications range from Mediation / Negotiation Training at Harvard Law School, Boston USA, Mediation Training at L'eadR, Sydney, Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling), Youth Conferencing Convenor, Department of Juvenile Justice, Mediation - UNIFAM - Uniting Church. Peter has studied also in Italy, and was a supervisor for an International cattle exporter accompanying cattle to Japan. Peter has Business Broking and Real Estate qualifications and has a commercial Pilots Licence that has been used within his varied employment. Peter's business background and hands on practical knowledge is invaluable when dealing with clients of Cater and Blumer.

Cater and Blumer Rural Counselling Service Provides:

> Assistance in Negotiations / Lodgements of Applications with Banks, Centrelink and Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).
> Assistance in Business Analysis and Financial Management.
> Facilitate Family Business and Farm Transfer meetings.
> Interagency / referral network to support people in difficult times.
> Water Issues.
> Mediation / Facilitation, Resolution and Farm Debt Mediation.
> Develop and implement a Succession Plan for a Farm Business.