Case in point was when the national co-ordinator general for drought Shane Stone paid a visit to Leeton.

Mr Stone was in town as part of a trip around central NSW, inspecting the local impacts of the drought.

During his brief pop in, he was accompanied by staff from the National Drought and Flood Agency, including regional recovery officer for south west NSW Matt Humphrey.

During his time in town, Mr Stone met with Leeton shire mayor Paul Maytom, council general manager Jackie Kruger and director of operations Peter Keane.

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The trio updated him and his team on a number of key drought-related issues and how council had allocated the $1 million it received as part of the federal government's drought communities program.

One of the major projects funded was the restoration of the WC&IC building.

The group was a given a guided tour of the building and were impressed by what they saw.

"This is a great example of how councils are using their drought communities program funding," Mr Stone said.

"Council restored this building using local labour and materials so the money stays (here).

"It's a win-win for the community and it looks fantastic."

Leeton shire also recently became eligible for another round of funding under the initiative and is working on what projects this funding could support.

Mr Stone also took time during his visit to head out to the Southern Cotton gin at Whitton.

It was the first time he and his team had seen a cotton gin in action.

Mr Humphrey labelled the facility and its backers as "inspiring".

"They saw an opportunity to value-add and, even though they were knocked back by the banks, they went for it," he said.

"It's paid off in spades, not only for the owners and their staff, but for the surrounding region as well."

Mr Humphrey said he was now looking forward to spending more time in the Leeton shire and assisting farmers with drought support.

Those wanting to find out more about how that help can be provided should contact 0418 498 942 or email RROSouthWestNSW@pmc.gov.au.

According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries the Leeton and wider MIA area is still affected by drought, but some parts are not considered to be.

For more information visit the DPI's drought maps page at https://edis.dpi.nsw.gov.au/.