Wimmera-Mallee and Ararat district organisations are among recipients of State Government money for projects to support the mental health of Victorian farmers.

Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre to see first-hand the benefits of the Resilient Farming Communities Project.

Agriculture Victoria and Department of Health have joined forces for the two-year program to support farmers, farming families and communities to better manage stress and improve their health.

Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership, which runs the Resourceful Farmers’ Project in partnership with community organisations such as Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre, was among recipients.

The Grampians PCP project is designed to build resilience through mental-health training, pop-up clinics and events that foster social connections.

Wimmera Primary Care Partnership Farming and Rural Resilience and Buloke Shire Council Building a Better Buloke – Resilience projects were also among recipients spread across more than 25 municipalities.

Eleven councils, Primary Care Partnerships and private organisations are sharing in $2.9-million to enable programs to increase awareness of mental-health treatment options and care and support services, and enhance social connectedness through community events and training.

Projects include outreach services, on-farm health workshops, wellbeing plans for rural communities, the provision of resilience programs in secondary schools, and mental-health first-aid training. 

The Resilient Farming Communities Project is part of an overarching $20-million Smarter Safer Farms program to promote safety, efficiency and resilience in Victorian agriculture.

Ms Thomas said the State Government was building the agriculture sector’s reputation for workplace excellence through improved health, safety and wellbeing programs.

“Our farmers have faced many challenges over the years, including drought, bushfires and now the pandemic, which all take their toll on resilience,” she said.

“This project ensures farmers and their communities are supported to focus on their mental health.” 

The entire September 29, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire September 29, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!