Ballarat-based Centrelink rural services officer Janine Ryan said staff on the bus were experienced with all Centrelink payments and had a particular affinity with people on the land.

"We're making it easier for farmers, small businesses and town people to access drought assistance payments as well as other Australian Government support services such as Centrelink, by taking the Drought Bus directly to the

people," Ms Ryan said.

"While recent rainfalls 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," she said.

"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 in the area," Ms Ryan said.

Ms Ryan said the three Drought Buses had provided a service to nearly 14,000 people in 350 towns across the country since their launch more than a year ago.

The buses have covered more than 75,000 kilometres, traveling throughout New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

"The Drought Buses are like mobile offices and, in this environment, many people feel more comfortable applying for drought assistance and learning about government and non-government payments and services," Ms Ryan said.

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

updating their contact details.