Using evidence to influence action on farmer health
In this series, find out how our team at the National Centre for Farmer Health translates research in agriculture, health, behavioural and social sciences into practical and impactful programs and services that support farmer health, wellbeing and safety across Australia.
The Back on Track mental health initiative is unique as it is a peer-guided program delivered by trusted community members – also known as coaches – who understand the unique challenges associated with farming and can provide practical and tailored support to farmers to improve their mental health.
Find out how two coaches became involved in the Back on Track feasibility trial in Victoria in 2025.
James Crooke
Growing up on a dairy farm in the Kiewa Valley in north-east Victoria, James initially planned to study landscape architecture before pivoting to his family’s ice cream business where he enjoyed a 20+ year career in the value-adding dairy production industry.
After closing the company in 2023, James was eager to continue living and contributing to his rural community. When he learnt about the Back on Track program, he thought it was a fantastic initiative, and he was keen to get involved.
Why did you decide to get involved in the Back on Track program as a coach?
Growing up on a farm and having friends from farming backgrounds across different parts of the state, country, and world, I was aware of the challenges that farmers and their regional and rural communities face. For me personally, it was an opportunity to try something new and, in a small way, make a difference to the mental health struggles confronting our farmers and rural communities.
From your perspective, how is the Back on Track program supporting participating farmers?
The Back on Track program provides a clear, practical, and straightforward initiative designed specifically for farmers and farming communities. The program values participants’ time and is centred around the needs and expectations of farmers, who may not have time to leave their farms to seek help for declining mental health or low mood.
What is a personal highlight of delivering this program to farmers?
A real highlight of my work with the Back on Track program was meeting the other coaches and collaborating during supervision, sharing the challenges and successes faced by them and their participants. It was fantastic to see that participants were gaining just as much from the program as we were.
Kaye A’Vard
Kaye swapped her job in a large Melbourne hospital to become a partner in a dairy farming family, where she spent 30 years raising her four children.
Not yet ready to fully retire, Kaye completed a counselling course online to keep herself busy, which eventually led her to the Back on Track program.
Why did you decide to get involved in the Back on Track program as a coach?
My son informed me of the coaching position, as a perfect step into going into my own business in counselling. I will be specialising in grief and trauma, knowing over my life span, that life can throw many huge curve balls to cope with.
From your perspective, how is the Back on Track program supporting participating farmers?
I found the Back on Track team great, but the resilience of the farmers in drought is one that I will remember as I go into my counselling. There was an opening of the mind that even when times are tough – as all farmers have experienced – there is always a time to stop and smell the roses, for that is what we are all here for.
The first farmer I worked with did experience this in actually stopping to see and smell and feel his coffee that he missed knowing – and truly savouring every part that it brings to him – first thing in the morning.
What is a personal highlight of delivering this program to farmers?
Seeing a farmer, who under unbelievable stress, finally got the meaning of the coaching relating to their life. I saw the tremendous change on their face and the appreciation of the relationship to them that a coach can bring them.
It reinforced the insight that I already knew about this specialised group of people – that the tenacity and strength that farmers hold to continue on in this field is one to be admired and treasured into the future.
Our Back on Track coaches share their journey, insights and how they’ve supported Victorian farmers to get back on track with their mental health
More information
See the other articles in our series
Tackling the Tough Topics: Q&A with NCFH’s Sally Cunningham
A look back on Look Over the Farm Gate events
Jennifer Rowan reflects on her NCFH student placement
Back on Track: Q&A with NCFH’s Anna Greene
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