Mr Willis, who brings extensive experience as general manager of Riverina Local Land Services, will provide on-ground feedback to government to help ensure support meets local needs by hearing firsthand about drought impacts and community challenges.
Since his appointment in late November, he has met with key stakeholders including the Drought Innovation Hub, representatives from the Rural Financial Counselling Service and financial institutions.
Over the coming weeks and months, he will travel across southern NSW, attending local events, convening roundtables and working with service providers to strengthen support networks.
He will also co-ordinate government agencies to improve collaboration and enhance communication about drought support.
The government is also launching a major communications campaign through direct electronic mail, print, radio and social media to ensure farmers and communities in southern NSW understand available drought support from both state and federal governments.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the NSW Government is committed to supporting rural and regional communities in times of drought and has a wide range of support available for farmers.
“The appointment of a drought coordinator is one way we're making sure that impacted communities have a direct line to government about the challenges they're facing and how support can better meet their needs,” she said.
“Our major communication campaign will also ensure everyone who needs to know is fully across the drought assistance that is on offer.”
Ms Moriarty said Mr Willis would “provide regular updates on local conditions, highlight emerging issues and challenges, and share advice based off community experience and local expertise to help shape government decision-making”.
Mr Willis said having a dedicated drought coordinator on the ground to serve impacted regions across NSW is another touchpoint for landholders to access the help they need to get through these challenging times.
“I look forward to meeting and listening to as many farmers, stakeholders and service providers as possible to hear their perspective of the challenges they face and better inform government of the types of assistance and information required to get them through these dry times,” he said.
Support available for farmers through the NSW Government includes low-interest loans through the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, farm management tools like MyStockPlanner, and on-ground support through Local Land Services including the Drought Adoption Officer Program.
Other assistance includes better recognition of drought conditions through the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Program, mental health services through the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, and access to online resources through the NSW DroughtHub.
The government has allocated $41.5 million in the 2025-26 Budget to support research and development, with climate resilience as a key priority.
Co-funded resilience programs include the Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Program.
The drought coordinator has been appointed for six months initially, though the role may extend and expand to other parts of NSW as drought conditions evolve.
Those interested in engaging with the drought coordinator can contact drought@lls.nsw.gov.au.
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