October is Mental Health Month: Building Stronger, Unbreakable Communities
Every October, we’re reminded of something that matters every single day, our mental health.
Mental Health Month isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a chance to pause, take a breath, and think about how we’re really going and how the people around us are doing too. Because mental health isn’t “someone else’s problem.” It’s all of ours. Every one of us has a role to play.
When we lean in, check in, and show up for one another, we don’t just get through the tough times we grow through them. That’s where real strength lies: in connection, compassion, and community.
The Conversations That Matter
Too often, we breeze through our days talking about the weather, the footy, or how busy we are but not about how we really are. We hide behind “I’m fine” because it feels easier than opening up. But those conversations, the honest ones, are the ones that can change everything.
When we stop to ask someone how they’re doing and really listen, it can lift a huge weight off their shoulders. A simple phone call, a cuppa, a chat at the gate those moments matter. They remind people that they belong, that they’re seen, and that they’re not alone.
And here’s the thing you don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show up. Listening without judgement and letting someone know you care can be one of the most powerful acts of kindness you’ll ever give.
World Mental Health Day – October 10
This month, on October 10, the world comes together for World Mental Health Day. The theme this year “Access to Services” is simple but powerful. It reminds us that everyone deserves support and care, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they’re facing.
In rural and regional areas, access can be tough. Services might be stretched or far away. But we can all play a part in bridging that gap by being there for each other and building communities that make connection part of everyday life.
It might start with small things:
Local organisations sharing mental health info at community events.
Sporting clubs inviting speakers or hosting a “conversation night.”
Schools and workplaces promoting simple daily check-ins.
It’s these community-driven actions that make a big difference. When we come together, we build a safety net that catches people before they fall through the cracks.
Turning Awareness Into Action
After years of working alongside individuals and communities, I’ve learnt that mental health is complex, but it’s not hopeless. I’ve seen what happens when people lean in and take small, consistent steps toward change.
Some towns have started “Cuppa and Chat” mornings once a month. Others have painted Blue Trees or added mental-health messages to local events. These aren’t huge projects but they send a clear message: you matter, and this community cares.
The more we normalise these conversations, the easier it becomes for someone to reach out early. Early support doesn’t just save lives; it builds stronger, more connected communities where people feel safe to be themselves.
What It Means to Be Unbreakable
People often ask me what being The Unbreakable Farmer really means. It’s not about being tough or pretending everything’s fine. It’s not about being bulletproof.
To me, being unbreakable means recognising that we all bend sometimes and that’s okay. It’s about knowing when to reach out, when to accept help, and when to give it. It’s about learning from hardship and using it to build something stronger.
True resilience isn’t about pushing through alone it’s about building capacity together. It’s finding courage in vulnerability, strength in connection, and hope in action.
If You’re Struggling
If you’re finding things tough right now, please know this you’re not alone, and there’s always a way forward. Help is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If talking to friends or family feels too hard, start with your GP. They can help you find the right support. Or reach out to one of these services:
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)
TIACS – Call or text 0488 846 988 (Mon–Fri, 8am–10pm AEST)
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
There are also fantastic local and government initiatives across Australia. Sometimes the first step is as simple as walking into your local community centre, men’s shed, or even having a yarn with a neighbour.
Building Hope Together
This October, let’s do more than raise awareness let’s build hope. Let’s make mental health part of our everyday conversations. Let’s create communities where it’s safe to speak up, safe to struggle, and safe to heal.
Because mental health isn’t just about surviving the tough times it’s about creating a life where we can thrive, together.
When we lean in, check in, and show up, we build the kind of community where people don’t just get by they grow. And that’s what makes us unbreakable.