The National Centre for Farmer Health at Hamilton is moving into a new premises to continue its nation-leading efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers and their communities.

Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michaela Settle, representing Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, officially opened the new premises at Hamilton on Thursday, marking a milestone in the growth of the centre since its establishment in 2009.

The new site sits within the local agriculture community and reinforces its role as a vital resource for the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers, farm workers and their families.

As the south-west continues to experience drought conditions, Agriculture Victoria has been working with the NCFH to support farmers, their families and communities, and the State Government has provided a $13.53-million drought support package. 

The government is directing $1.43-million towards farmer wellbeing, technical decision-making advice and a regional drought co-ordinator.

More than $12-million in on-farm drought infrastructure grants is also available for farmers to make upgrades to equip their businesses to better withstand the current drought and future dry seasonal conditions.

Ms Settle said the government was proud of its long-term partnership with National Centre for Farmer Health. 

Alongside a contribution of $900,000 in the 2024-25 State Budget, another $100,000 grant is helping fund the Shifting Gears program, which will deliver important safety resources to the next generation of farmers. 

“Congratulations to the NCFH team who continue to work tirelessly to improve the health of our farmers and their communities, I encourage farmers experiencing the impacts of drought to use the NCFH and the other services being delivered as part of the Drought Support Package,” she said.

“Victoria is incredibly proud to have a such an important and highly regarded service located in Hamilton, the incredible work you do supports our farmers, their families and communities when they need it most.”

For more information about the National Centre for Farmer Health visit, farmerhealth.org.au. 

The entire November 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November,27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!