Primary Producer Knowledge Network project setting up mentally health workplaces
Dumbalk farmer Rob Auchterlonie is working with the National Centre for Farmer Health to create mentally healthy workplaces for primary producers. And they’re on the hunt for more voices.
AFTER more than 45 years in the dairy industry, Dumbalk farmer Rob Auchterlonie understands the mental toll life on the land can sometimes have.
And he’s using his knowledge and interest in the wellbeing space to help other primary producers get access to help.
“I’m very aware of the mental health issues of stresses that are involved as a farmer of over 45 years — you go through droughts, very poor prices, and that puts a lot of pressure on an individual when you have to cope with these terrible times,” he said.
He’s working with the National Centre for Farmer Health on their Primary Producer Knowledge Network — an initiative funded by WorkSafe that aims to prevent work related risks to mental health for producers and businesses in agriculture.
Leading project manager Dr Alison Kennedy said the project was on the hunt for “community champions” like Mr Auchterlonie to weigh in on what was needed.
“We’ve already heard from primary producers themselves on what it is that would appeal, the risks that we’re facing and what we have to address in a tailored way,” she said.
“Their voice has helped lead to what we should address.”
Mr Auchterlonie said he was proud to be adding to the work of the NCFH and thought it was an important step in the right direction.
“To have a group of people to run past ideas and projects to test and validate it is important,” he said.
“In our community, building resilience in our industry and communities is very difficult.
“But the projects that NCFH are developing are to strengthen resilience which is something different that should be acknowledged and applauded.”
To find out more about the project, go to https://farmerhealth.org.au/page/education/primary-producer-knowledge-network.
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