In this episode we hear from Nick Blandford about the impact self-worth has had on his life. He shares what a community program helped him realise about himself and being a farmer. He also talks about what supports are out there for farmers now and what he would like to see for them in future. Interested in the topic and looking for more? What is self-worth? Find out at BetterHelp. Or find other tips and information if you are feeling worthless at Health Direct. Did you know self-...

In this episode we hear from Mary Johnson on working with, rather than on, the land. Mary shares her experiences of growing up on the farm and how she has developed a strong connection to the land. She also talks about the benefits of working together and time off the farm. Interested in the topic and looking for more? In the episode Mary talked about the importance of volunteers to small towns, are you interested in volunteering? Nor sure where to start? Volunteering Victoria lists a r...

In this episode we hear from Jan Brunswick about how her partner’s gambling affected her. Jan shares how she tried to help and the reasons she stayed as long as she did. She also shares why she left them for good and how she helps others in the same position now. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Are you like Jan needing support because of someone’s gambling? The following gambling services are there to help you and them: Gamblers Help or call 1800 858 858Cafs - Gamblers Hel...

In this episode we hear from Aaron Schultz on his journey to better health for himself and men in the country. Aaron shares how alcohol, anxiety and exercise have shaped his life. He also shares what made him start The Outback Mind and his hopes for its future. The Outback Mind Foundation - website, Facebook and Instagram. Or listen to the podcast via the website, Spotify, Podbean or iTunes. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Aaron talked about alcohol effect on his life. Con...

In this episode we hear from Jessie Adams from the National Centre for Farmer Health. Jessie shares how she is working toward making farms safer for children. She shares her top tips for what you can do now, and programs currently running. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Want to hear more about the surveys Jessie did? You can find out more information here. In the episode Jessie mentioned the VFF Children on Farms Handbook. The Handbook, part of the Making Our Farms Safe...

In this episode we hear from Anna Johansson on her experience of being a Swedish woman on an Aussie farm. Anna shares her joy of growing and eating her own food. She also shares how she finds happiness outside of the money-making rat race. You can see Anna’s home grown produce and some of what she makes with them on her farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking after yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your h...

In this episode we hear from Kelly Barnes about what led her to start the Mates Dog School. Kelly shares her passion for her dogs and how they have helped her mental health, and how she uses it to help others. She also talks about the way we as people, especially farmers, see dogs in our lives. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Want to hear more about Kelly’s Mates Dog School? Check out the Mates Dog School Facebook page. You can also find articles about the school done on the: Na...

In this episode we hear from Mandy Noble, a Service System Navigator with The Orange Door Horsham. Mandy talks about what The Orange Door is and how it came about. She also talks about Family Violence and its different forms. In an emergency call 000 If you live in the Wimmera and need support, you can contact The Orange Door in Horsham by: Calling 1800 271 042 Or find them at 3-7 Madden St, Horsham. Don’t live in the Wimmera and need support? You can find other The Orange Door locati...

In this episode we hear from Tania Walter about how she is helping farmers to be more active in Marnoo. She shares her passion for running the group and the joy it brings to her and others that come. She also talks about how her and her husband run a bio-dynamic farm and how that came about. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Has listening to Tania inspired you to put more movement in your life? Not sure where or how best to start? Check out these websites for tips, advice, a...

In this episode we hear from Margaret Millington about the impact death has had on her life. She shares the lessons she has learnt from losing people she loves, and the need to be aware of dangers. She also talks about what brought her to the Wimmera and how it offered her a chance for renewal. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Margaret shared her experiences of grief and what helped her. Find more on grief at: Health Direct Better Health Channel Beyond Blue Margaret lost ...

In this episode we hear from Lyall McClure, Natimuk local who has not let close calls with death stop him. Lyall shares his four close calls with death and how he has moved forward with his life after. He also shares how he keeps a smile on his face and joy for life. Interested in the topic and looking for more? In the episode Lyall mentioned one of his close calls was a heart attack, but what exactly is a heart attack? Check out the information here to find out. Had a heart attack or ...

In this episode, West Wimmera Health Service's own Leanne Yew talks about stress. Leanne is WWHS's lead social worker. She shares her knowledge on stress, our responses to it and how long term stress can affect us. She also share her tips for managing stress and where to get help. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The WWHS social work and welfare department can help with a wide variety of things, including: Counselling for individuals, couples and families.Support for...

In this episode we hear from Gary Smith on his experience living with chronic pain. Gary shares how pain effects his everyday life and how he copes. He also shares how his passion for his animals helps him deal with the pain and live his life. Interested in the topic and looking for more? You can also find more information on chronic pain in general at Health Direct. The Wimmera Southern Mallee Integrated Pain Service helps those with chronic pain. The service provides tailored treatments to ...

In this episode we hear from Leigh Dwyer, farmer, long time CFA volunteer and trans woman. Leigh shares her story and how she has come to accept all parts of herself. She also talks about her experiences since transitioning. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Are you part of the LGBTI+ community and looking for support? Check out these dedicated support services and advice pages: Rainbow Door – A free support service specialising in LGBTI+ Victorians, their friends and family. It i...

In this episode we hear from John Bradshaw about gambling. He shares his knowledge about the harm it can cause, tips for stopping and services available to help you. He also talks about the sessions he provides for kids on gambling and how it is not a normal part of sport. If you need help with gambling you can contact Gamblers Help’s confidentially 24/7 for free at 1800 858 858. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Cafs is a proudly independent organisation, driven by the comm...

In this episode we hear from farmer David Drage about how climate change affects farmers. David shares what he is doing to adapt to climate change and what help is available. He also shares what he is doing as part of Adapt Grampians. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Adapt Grampians is a regional hub working to ensure we adjust and thrive in our changing climate. It is a regional hub for: Information sharingLearning and Inspiration David talked about the rainfall loss over ...

In this episode we hear from Patrick Quiane about the Wimmera Pride Project. Patrick shares his knowledge about the LGBTI+ community, and some of their struggles. He also shares how being queer in a small town can be different to the city. He also talks about the joy coming out can bring and how important support is. You can find out more about the Wimmera Pride Project via their Website, Facebook page or their Contact form. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Patrick ta...

In this episode we hear from Dan Irwin, about his experience with gambling. Dan shares how he become addicted to gambling and how it affected him and his family. He also shares what made him quit and how he helps others to do so now. If you need help with gambling you can contact Gamblers Help’s confidentially 24/7 for free at 1800 858 858. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Gambling help services: Gamblers Help or call 1800 858 858 Cafs - Gamblers Help or call 1800 692 237 ...

In this episode we hear from David Manning and Ben Weissner, who talk all things chronic pain. They share the ways they are working to help people with chronic pain to recover and function well. They also share a few tips for pain management. Find more on the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Integrated Pain Service here. Interested in the topic and looking for more? You can also find more information on chronic pain in general at Health Direct. In the episode David and Ben talked about how benef...

In this first episode of season three, we hear from some of the attendees of the recent Gather Grow and Thrive event. They share their experiences of being a woman on a farm and how it has changed over time. They also talk about the importance of connection and how they can be change agents. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The Gather Grow and Thrive event was hosted by Partners in Ag. You can find out more about the Partners in Ag organisation here. The second speaker in ...