RIC expands Orange team to boost farmer support

The Regional Investment Corporation has announced a significant expansion of its Orange-based operation, boosting its team by nearly a third as part of a push to streamline services for drought and flood-affected farmers.

The government-backed lender, which has processed more than $3.15 billion in concessional loans since its inception five years ago, will recruit 27 new staff across customer services, agri-lending, IT, finance and systems management. The expansion marks a strategic shift toward integrated, in-house loan management.

Chief Executive John Howard outlined the thinking behind the move. The RIC has historically outsourced portions of its lending process, but the expansion aims to consolidate operations. "We're increasing our base of how we do that," Howard said, noting the addition of an in-house contact centre and proprietary loan management system. "We will be managing the lot ourselves and they will be dealing with the RIC for every stage."

The shift promises tangible benefits. By owning the complete loan lifecycle—from initial assessment through documentation, disbursement, settlement and ongoing management over the standard 10-year loan term—the corporation expects to cut response times and improve customer experience.

Howard emphasised the importance of recruiting staff with strong ties to farming communities. "One of the things we've found really important is actually having a workforce that's got a great affinity with the farmers and the farming community that we're dealing with," he said.

Program Delivery Executive Director Alli Gregory reinforced this regional commitment. Of the current 70-strong workforce, 67 per cent are based in Orange and the Central West, and nine in ten are stationed regionally. The latest campaign will maintain that footprint while offering remote and hybrid opportunities across Australia.

"We can be more responsive, and more timely, with faster communication with customers," Gregory said, emphasising that the expanded team will allow the RIC to offer its full suite of products to farmers nationwide without geographical constraint.

The RIC's mandate centres on supporting agricultural recovery and resilience. Since launching, it has approved over 2,910 loans to farmers grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters, biosecurity threats and other shocks. The corporation's concessional rate structure—fees lower than traditional banks—has positioned it as a lifeline for producers squeezed by climate and market pressures.

The hiring drive signals confidence in sustained demand. With Australia's agricultural sector continuing to navigate drought cycles and extreme weather, the corporation is betting that expanded capacity and faster turnaround will unlock untapped need among struggling farmers.

Applications for the new positions opened immediately, with roles advertised both at the Orange head office and for remote and hybrid arrangements. The expansion arrives as the corporation enters its sixth year of operation, having already carved out a niche in the rural finance landscape.