But they've been given a helping hand, so they can continue to help others.

Forbes Rotary has stepped in with funds to employ a part-time office assistant this year, so rural financial counsellors Rob Muffet and John Beer can spend more time out talking with farming families.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service isn't just here for the hard times, in good years they work with farmers to explore their options to improve long-term viability.

But in times of drought or flood they are "here to help people through the maze" of State and Federal government assistance, they explain.

And the need for their services is increasing as this dry season continues.

In the past few weeks, Mr Beer says he has seen a real shift.

"People who have been hanging on, can't hang on any longer," Mr Beer said. "This is a critical time."

People who have never accessed any government assistance have started to contact the office for help navigating the application processes, he says.

Rotary's support of $18,600 is employing a part-time office assistant to take care of the paperwork at the Rural Financial Counselling Service's Central West office in Forbes, enabling the two counsellors to spend more time with farmers.

"We can see a lot more people," Mr Beer said. "It makes a real difference."

The donation has been made possible by the funds of Rotary District 9700 and Rotary Australia World Community Services along with funds from the District's Drought Communities Support Initiative, from the Commonwealth Government.

Forbes Rotary and Forbes Rotary Ipomoea have also donated $5000 in gift cards for a local supermarket.

These have been distributed, providing both practical support and a morale boost to those who have received them, Mr Beer said.

Contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 940 404 or find links to the types of drought support available on the Forbes Shire Council website, forbes.nsw.gov.au, under Drought Support.