Farmer Mates Mental Health is for everyone
Australian cricketing legend and country born and raised Brad Hogg is the National Ambassador of GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health program.
This initiative - partnering GPA with Nufarm and Rural Aid, and supported since 2023 by GrainGrowers - allows Brad's role as an Ambassador for Lifeline WA to be shared with farming communities throughout Australia, helping break down stigma and increase awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.
The initial program in 2022 reinforced the importance of farmers staying connected with their friends, family and communities.
In 2023, Brad again toured the regions to continue sharing these important messages, while reminding farmers that it’s essential to make the time to down tools and take a break from work.
GPA also gave away $5000 in travel vouchers to encourage farmers to plan a holiday - read about the winners.
The 2024 initiative will build on previous years and focus on empowering and upskilling local leaders to support communities to connect and stay healthy.
A regional roadshow series with Brad at the helm will include informal leadership forums and discussions that will ensure diversity in the knowledge and experiences shared.
Later in the year, GPA will bring together key community leaders for a national symposium that will put the spotlight on capacity building mental health supports into the future.
Stay tuned for a major community fundraiser event in 2025.
Important contacts
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Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support by calling 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au
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Call Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team on 1300 17 55 94 or email contact@ruralaid.org.au
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Mental Health Calendar
There’s also information about other Rural Aid services for farmers at ruralaid.org.au
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How it started
GPA Chair Barry Large was motivated to establish the Farmer Mates Mental Health program after suicides affected farmers and other members of his community in Western Australia in 2021.
“One of the main messages we want to share with other farmers is the importance of mates talking to mates and doing what we can to look out for each other and make a difference,” he said.
Why I got involved
As an ambassador for Lifeline WA, cricket legend Brad Hogg shares important messages, and his own personal struggles with mental health, with different groups and events in regional areas.
“We want people to know that they’re never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it. It’s all about starting conversations that will help save lives,” he said.
What you can do
Join one of the GPA forums at farming field days across Australia this year.
The forums are designed to help you improve your own understanding of mental health and suicide, and recognise signs to look out for with friends or family who might be struggling to cope.
They'll also help you learn ways to encourage others to reach out for help when it's needed.
Photo gallery
Interested in having Brad Hogg speak at your event?
If you can't make it to a GPA forum but would like Ambassador Brad Hogg to share his story in your community, send a message and ask how we can make it happen.
Our founding partners
GPA's mental health awareness initiative is backed by a strong team of partners - Lifeline WA, Rural Aid and Nufarm - as well as supporting partners which include GrainGrowers. GRDC is also supporting this initiative, backing a number of events, to help make a difference.
Lifeline WA
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians in emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
It is committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope. Lifeline exists to ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. Through its network of 40 centres, support is available 24 hours a day by phone, text, online chat or in person.
Rural Aid
Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity, standing with farmers when they need it most.
Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance.
Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers.
Nufarm
As Australian Through & Through, Nufarm is a global crop protection and seeds company headquartered in Australia.
With a focus on the right solutions for Australian conditions, Nufarm employs hundreds of Australians through its two manufacturing sites, its R&D and its salesforce in regional and rural communities across the country.
Because of this, Nufarm continues to support initiatives that help farming communities to live and thrive.
Learn more about Nufarm here
Supporting partners
GrainGrowers is a national organisation working to enhance the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain farmers.
We achieve this through our focus areas of policy and advocacy, grower engagement, thought leadership and active investment in future focused activities for all growers.
Australian growers are at the heart of all that we do and the focus of our work.
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