Farmers in need of more mental health support

STATE Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has renewed calls for urgent support for farmers facing severe drought conditions following a well-attended mental health support event at the Euroa Cattle Sale last Wednesday. Ms Cleeland was joined by regional mental health professionals, Strathbogie Shire Councillors, and dozens of local farmers for a morning of free and confidential mental health support, conversation, and connection. “This was more than just a morning tea – it was a powerful reminder that our farmers are crying out to be heard, seen, and supported,” Ms Cleeland said. “While it was heartening to see so many locals stop by for a cuppa and a chat, the stories we heard were confronting – of livestock losses, financial despair, and isolation that has gone on too long without real support.” Ms Cleeland said the event highlighted the depth of the mental health crisis facing farming communities in the region, made worse by ongoing drought and the continued lack of formal recognition from government. “Our farmers are resilient, but they are not invincible,” Ms Cleeland said. “We cannot expect a chat over a cuppa to carry someone through another season of dust and debt. “What we need now is not more platitudes, but policy.” Ms Cleeland said the State Government’s lack of urgency to formally recognise the drought in North-East Victoria, and deliver on much-needed mental health support, was failing farmers across the region. “Every person who came through the gates of the Euroa Saleyard yesterday had a story – and many of them had reached their limits,” she said. “Some are selling off generations of breeding stock just to pay bills. "Others are looking down the barrel of walking off the land altogether. “The conversations we had on June 6 were raw, real, and heartbreaking. "And they made one thing clear – much more must be done.”

Farmers in need of more mental health support

Farms of the future building on natural capital

Poultry lovers flock to Mansfield Show

Keeping soil in place when your paddocks are bare

Free support for landholders tackling woody weeds

Calls for fuel reduction in state forests

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories