The Unbreakable Farmer

After travelling to the Northern Territory for a speaking gig, it was a reminder that the Mental health and wellbeing of our first nations people needs to become a priority across our country, Australians need to be aware that the welfare of our first nations people is a humanitarian crisis.

It is sad and embarrassing as a white Australia, to see the cultural heartbeat of our country so broken, and as I walked the streets of Darwin begged the question, what needs to be done to rectify this?

While Australia is relatively immune to mass killings like the tragedy that occurred at Bondi Junction’s Westfield Shopping Centre on Saturday, we’re not strangers to violence against women. This tragic event along with the recent death of Hannah McGuire, once again reminds us of the need for urgent action to curb the gender-based violence epidemic that is plaguing this country.

‘Just a Farmer’ transcends traditional cinema authentically portraying the challenges and triumphs of resilient farmer in rural Australia the cinematic journey amplifies the often overlooked voices of rural communities and sheds light on mental health struggles it's more than a movie it's a dedicated movement creating awareness dismantling stigma zone impacting the well-being of rural Australia just a farmer breaks new ground fostering understanding assuring individuals they don't face their darkness alone.

Today TIACS launched a new initiative to get farmers talking about how they are travelling.

Don't Keep It Under Your Hat.

Thank you to the team at TIACS and Redsuit Advertising for valuing my my insights enough for me to have input into the designing of this important campaign.

Inspiring conversation is part of my mission and I am sure this campaign will do that.

Natural disasters come at enormous financial cost to the producer, with estimated losses between 40 and 100%, leaving farmers with no income. High input prices, strict policy regulation, and low farm gate prices only add to the pain. Some producers have experienced multiple events, leaving them in a precarious position.

As more natural disasters unfold, flooding in Far North Queensland and regional Victoria, and bushfires in WA, stories of survival and heroic deeds see us quick to label these local communities as resilient.

But what happens beyond the news cycle?

I continue to explore my own mental health and wellbeing. By working in communities across Australia, I then gain a greater understanding of the pressures and stress people can face.

Therefore, the clearer it becomes that we need to take a holistic approach with our mental health and our general wellbeing. The same too for combating stress and burnout.

Be sure to aim to make your Unbreakable Wheel of Wellbeing as balanced as possible. This will make you more resilient to the challenges our fast paced and ever-changing world will throw at you.

There are those people who feel intense pressure to conform to the traditional festive cheer when they just don’t feel it, and those with no close family ties or a robust support system.

Times are hard. The skyrocketing cost of living and other economic hardships are seeing families grapple with the pressure to provide a memorable Christmas, despite tight budgets.

During the festive season it’s important to make sure you’re prepared and have your mental health toolbox packed and ready to deal with whatever comes your way.