Continuing its successful tour of drought affected regions of Australia, the Australian Government's Drought Bus will arrive in Tenterfield tomorrow, Wednesday October 1.

Local farmers, residents and small businesses are being encouraged to visit the bus at the Mobil Service Station to explore the range of payments and support available.

Centrelink drought bus co-ordinator Andrew Gregory said, "While recent rain falls across some parts of the country have provided some immediate relief, the prolonged effects of the drought are still placing a great financial and emotional strain on farming communities. Farmers and small businesses need to understand they aren't alone, and that help is available."

Andrew said the staff on board the Bus are experienced in all Centrelink payments and have a particular affinity with people on the land.

"Most of the staff on the bus live in rural communities and they understand how self-sufficient country people can be - this can make them reluctant to ask for help. That's why we want to encourage people to talk with us while we're Tenterfield and Deepwater."

"The bus is like a mobile office, and in this environment many people feel more comfortable applying for drought assistance and learning about Centrelink, government and non-government payments and services. Staff on the bus can also assist visitors with printing and completing claim forms."

People can also speak with Medicare staff when they visit the Drought Bus. They can assist families with non-cash transactions, such as paying Medicare claims by cheque or EFTPOS, enrolling people for Medicare, or updating their contact details.

The bus will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm tomorrow at the Mobil Service Station in Rouse Street and from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Thursday at the corner of the New England Highway and Young Street in Deepwater.