Around The Paddock

Welcome to this fifth edition of my new fortnightly newsletter,
Around The Paddock!
I’m taking this opportunity to inform you of all that’s happening with me Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer…

This edition includes:

• October is Mental Health Month - I’d love to hear what you are doing to recognise this…

• Australia’s Struggle With Suicide Continues - Recent statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show suicide is on the increase in our communities.

• The next two episodes of my new podcast - Beyond The Back Paddock - as a way of sharing wisdom through storytelling.

• What’s coming up as I travel ‘Around The Paddock’ - where you can find me speaking soon and if I’m nearby you can book me in too!

• Some inspiring ‘Fodder For Thought…’ - it’s time to get behind our women in farming and support them on their journey.

• ‘Your Corner Of The Paddock’ - an opportunity for you as readers to contribute items of interest! In this edition guitarist/singer/songwriter Rory Phillips has a video and some songs to share…

Australia’s Struggle With Suicide Continues…

We are experiencing relentless coverage of world politics and global disasters. This desensitises us to the real and continuous struggle at a grassroots level back here at home!

It’s not until suicide impacts your circle of influence. Then you take notice of the devastating ripple effect it has throughout the community.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in their recent release of data reveals that 3,249 Australians died by suicide in 2022. This compares to 3,166 in 2021.

8.6 Australians die every day by suicide. A further estimated 65,000 people attempt suicide each year. I very rarely use statistics when referring to suicide in our country. This is because that is what they are, statistics.

Statistics reveal very little of the enormous impact! Feelings include loss; sadness; trauma; and emptiness. These are all felt by families; work colleagues; friends; first responders; and communities who have been touched by suicide.

Statistics don't save lives! Simple conversions and actions do!!

In times of crisis and or uncertainty, when you feel like a conversation is too big for family or friends alone, connect with a trusted health professional like your GP, and or services like:

• Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au 131114.

• Or TIACS www.tiacs.org by calling or texting 0488 846 988 Monday to Friday, 8am – 10pm AEDT.

• Or one of the many other local and government support services.

I have the privilege of some amazing people joining me
who I have met on my travels.
Here they are now sharing their stories and wisdom with you.

The next two episodes are now available at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au

An interview I did with Justin Smith for a campaign called Tough Times from the Heart. This is a departure from the normal format and an appropriate message for broadcasting this Podcast on World Mental Health Day, Tuesday 10 October.

Tess Marnane, from Cork in Ireland is a Birth Doula. She found her soulmate in Shepparton after a stint of traveling. She has spent 18 years working in leadership roles with vulnerable groups in the care industry. But now Tess has chosen a different path and is a Doula. She focuses on providing families with support needed in childbirth and parenting, particularly with young families.

You can also catch up on all of my episodes including, the last two with:

• Nathan Carkeek - a coach, a connector, author, artist and poet. Nathan tells how he took a leap of faith leaving the banking industry to follow his purpose cofounding Minds on Purpose.

• Alex Thomas - who is full of energy and gains her inspiration from caring for her disabled Dad, as a result of his life in agriculture. Alex is a speaker, facilitator and consultant. She is the founder and Chief Planter of Seeds of #PlantASeedForSafety.

All of the episodes are available too in Spotify

Speaking Dates and Where To Find Me Next

Above me speaking on Friday night at the Fraser Coast Mates annual Pink Dinner in Hervey Bay attended by over 200 people.

Fraser Coast Mates was formed in 2016, from a tragedy when a group of heart-broken mates, lost their good friend and local businessman
Geoff Redpath to suicide.

• 20 October - Hatfield New South Wales Rural Recovery Support Service, Hatfield, New South Wales

• 23 October - Murchison Victoria Flood Recovery, Murchison, Victoria

• 24 October - Tallygaroopna Victoria Flood Recovery, Tallygaroopna, Victoria

• 25 October - Undera Victoria Flood Recovery, Undera, Victoria

• 27 October - Clermont Beef Expo & Trade Display 2023, Emerald, Queensland

• 28 October - Burdekin Shire Council, Home Hill, Queensland

• 30 October - TAFE Agriculture Teachers Webinar, online

• 31 October - 1 November - Noumi Limited, Shepparton, Victoria and Inglewood, New South Wales

• 2 November - Cobden Community Dinner, Cobden, Victoria

• 3 November - Cobden Tradies Breakfast, Cobden, Victoria

• 5 November - Mitchell Shire Council, Nagambie, Victoria

• 7 November - Horsham BestWool/BestLamb Group, Horsham, Victoria

• 8 November - Brown Brothers Winery, Milawa, Victoria

• 12 November - Seymour Flood Recovery, Seymour, Victoria

• 13 November - Traralgon Gippsland Psychology Group, Traralgon, Victoria

Inspiring ‘Food for Fodder’

Farming -
it’s a bloke’s job, right?

Wrong, but it wasn’t until 1994 that women were legally recognised as farmers.

It’s a tough industry to be in - bloke’s work! Yet, women historically play the supporting role of the ‘farmer’s wife’. It is also just as it is in the cities…women bear a disproportionate share of domestic work and child rearing.

These gender inequalities couple with lengthy periods of isolation; whilst balancing caring responsibilities with constant financial pressures. Therefore, we are seeing an increase in women presenting with anxiety and mental health problems. Particularly, younger women aged between 25 and 34 years.

The contribution women make to the agricultural industry is undeniable. Yet, they continue to face cultural, social, and economic barriers. This can stop them from truly participating in the development of agriculture.

Let’s get behind these farming women and break down these barriers once and for all.

Thank you to Rory Phillips,
an aspiring (and inspiring) 17 year old young guitarist/singer/songwriter
with a passion for positive change.

In 2020 he was named the Snowy Valleys Young Citizen of the Year, and more recently, the 2023 Folk Federation of NSW Young Artist of the Year (under 25 category). A two-time graduate and now staff member of the CMAA Academy of Country Music. Rory is also an officially endorsed artist of Cole Clark Guitars, Buzz Box Guitars and Achillies Amps. This year he’s been selected as a Featured Artist in the NSW Schools Spectacular! Rory continues to achieve great things with his music.

I met Rory in Nathalia when he was playing with one of my favourite bands The Bushwackers. There is much more to Rory than his music and I am sure he has the potential to be Prime Minister one day.

He released a single, ‘Because Boys’. This takes an insightful look into the mental health struggles of young men and tries to break down the stigma associated with asking for help.

Because Boys’ was chosen by the New South Wales Department of Education's The Arts Unit as the repertoire piece for their 2023 Boys' Vocal Program. This was also a semi-finalist in the 2023 ‘Listen Up Music’ Songwriting Prize (which advocates for mental health). It’s being featured too in the 2023 NSW Schools Spectacular which will be broadcast on Channel 7.

He also has produced a video as a collaboration piece with Headspace. Here Rory opens the conversation and discusses the challenges young men and boys face around mental health with a group of his mates.

Also, Rory will be the guest on episode 12 of Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast out next Tuesday. Subscribe to tune in for an inspiring conversation!

Watch Rory’s Video commissioned by Headspace Wagga Wagga

Please have a listen to Rory's songs
on YouTube