The Unbreakable Farmer

For generations, fire circles have held a special place in human history. They’ve been the heart of connection, a place for storytelling, and a powerful source of healing. In today’s world, they offer something deeply valuable, particularly for men who may struggle with their mental health. Fire circles provide a unique environment to break down the emotional barriers that often keep men from reaching out to others. It’s an opportunity to connect, share, and heal, all while sitting around a fire with mates.

Grief and loss are experiences that touch every person’s life at some point. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a cherished relationship, or the loss of familiar routines, these events evoke profound emotions that shape our lives. This week, I face the significant loss of my cousin, who is more than just family; he is a confidant, a supporter of my work, a connector of our family, and a true mate. This recent loss deepens my understanding of grief and its complexities, reminding me of the emotional landscape I navigated after the losing my Mum.

Over recent weeks I have have had many communities reaching out to me to share my story, some hope and strategies as they find themselves in the midst of a really tough season, are dealing with the unpredictability of the season ahead or have been impacted by policy change, or industry downturn or unrest.

Agriculture is a tough game that requires a lot of pieces of the puzzle to fall into place, a journey I know too well.

Supporting mental health in farming communities involves a web of stakeholders—government, organisations, and the communities themselves—aligning their efforts. At the grassroots level, we must develop a range of tools and support networks that not only bolster individual mental health but also empower us to support one another.

Today, on International Rural Women's Day, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions women make not only to agriculture but also to the very fabric of rural communities across Australia. In my journey working with, presenting to, and speaking with women in the bush, I have been continually inspired by their passion, commitment, and resilience.

These women are not only farmers; they are community leaders, educators, and advocates. They often take on roles that ensure the survival and prosperity of their rural communities. From organising local events to volunteering for local initiatives, rural women are the backbone of community spirit. They are the ones who nurture not only their families but also their communities, ensuring that local traditions and connections remain vibrant.

After a recent visit to Swan Hill College I want to deeper look into the conversations had with students during my presentation and explore at the landscape of education in rural Australia. It's clear that students in Years 10, 11, and 12 face a unique set of challenges that can significantly impact their mental health and well-being. With the pressures of adolescence compounded by geographical and social factors, it's vital to foster resilience and provide robust support systems that empower our young people to thrive.

An Employee Assistance Program is a confidential support service designed to help employees deal with various personal and work-related challenges. EAPs offer access to professional counseling, resources, and tools to tackle issues such as stress, anxiety, relationship problems, and workplace conflicts. Think of it as a safety net—one that’s there to catch you when life throws its curveballs.

I know it can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when the problems we’re facing seem so big. But it’s not about fixing everything all at once. It’s about taking those small steps, one at a time, and one of the easiest—and most powerful—steps is to check in with the people around you.

You don’t need to wait for someone to ask for help. Often, the ones who need it the most are the ones who aren’t saying a word. Checking in is a way to remind them they don’t have to carry the weight alone. You’re there for them, just as they’d be there for you.

As someone who has spent my life on the land, I’ve seen what droughts, floods, and bushfires can do to a community. It’s not just about the crops and livestock that get wiped out—it goes much deeper. It gets personal. When your whole life is tied to the land, the relentless hits don’t just shake your livelihood, they rattle your sense of self. They test your resilience in ways most people can’t imagine.

I’ve been there. I’ve watched the skies for rain that didn’t come. I’ve felt the gut-punch of losing everything you’ve worked for when disaster strikes. And I’ve lived the mental and emotional toll that comes with that.

For rural communities like ours, these challenges are a way of life. Droughts that stretch on for years, floods that tear apart homes and livelihoods, and bushfires that reduce everything to ash—they’re a cruel reality that keeps coming back. But the damage isn’t just physical. The real struggle happens in the mind and heart, where stress, anxiety, and depression start to take over. Farmers, families, and communities buckle under the weight of it all, and it feels like there’s no end in sight.

When you’re out in the middle of nowhere, far from the services and support that people in the city take for granted, it’s easy to feel isolated. The truth is, we’re often left on our own to deal with the fallout. Sure, there’s government support and programs, but the reality is that help can be inconsistent. One year there’s funding, the next there’s not. You might have a mental health worker in town one month, and they’re gone the next. It’s hard to build any kind of stability when the help you need comes and goes like the wind.

And when it comes to mental health, that inconsistency can be devastating. The stress of wondering if you’ll get the help you need when you’re at breaking point just adds to the load we’re already carrying. But we can’t wait around for the system to fix itself. Out here, we’ve learned that if you don’t look after each other, no one else will.