Flood Response Support for Victorian Primary Producers
Our farming communities are living in a time of extreme climatic events.
At the National Centre for Farmer Health, we are committed to supporting primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were damaged or lost in the floods through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing, including:
- A supportive online community through the #BuildingFarmSpirit social media campaign,
- Free access to online psychology support delivered by farmer health trained psychologists,
- Support for community events providing social connection and mental health promotion opportunities for farmers, farming families and farming communities,
- Distribution of mental health resources and support information.
#BuildingFarmSpirit social media campaign
Our farmers have many personal stories to tell that raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, start conversations, and inspire positive action in others. #BuildingFarmSpirit will encourage Victorian farmers and farming families affected by flood to share these stories.
This is a welcoming space for farmers to share stories of how they navigate challenging times and is open to any and all forms of creativity, whether it be photos, videos, poems or music. But the image or video is only half of it – we want to hear the story behind what made you want to capture that moment.
Complementing these shared experiences will be key tips and tricks to help farmers through challenging times.
A legacy piece will create a permanent record of the strategies and methods that our resilient farmers and farming communities used to support their mental health during this time and remind us all that we can get through this together.
Join our online community and share your story with us!
Farmer Online Assist Program
Farmer Online Assist will provide Victoria’s flood-affected farmers with up to three free sessions with a farmer health trained and registered AHPRA accredited Psychologist – without a need to have a GP mental health plan.
Farmer Online Assist is not a crisis service. If you require crisis support please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency where there is an immediate risk of harm to a person call 000.
The following eligibility criteria apply:
- You must be over 16 years of age
- You must be a Victorian resident living in a local government area affected by the 2022 floods
- You must be currently living or working on a farm
Please submit your request to access this service by filling out the form below:
Boosting local community support
We are looking to support and partner with local agriculture industry groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who wish to boost farmers mental health and wellbeing through community events or programs that provide social connection and mental health promotion for farmers and farming communities.
If you have an idea that promotes social connection and wellbeing for farmers, please register your interest or chat with us about how we can partner with you.
Read our Grant Application Terms & Conditions
Join our #BuildingFarmSpirit movement on social media
Call for flood recovery ‘selfies’
Were you affected by the floods? What did you do to keep your spirits up?
Stressful periods like floods, prolonged wet conditions and associated production losses, often result in farmers suffering from stress and fatigue.
The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) #BuildingFarmSpirit program is calling on Victorian farmers and farm families to share their stories of coping with recovery after a natural disaster.
Share your story of how you kept your spirits up during recovery, what put a smile on your face, by posting a short video, photos and text, a poem or music and lyrics on our Facebook and Instagram platforms #BuildingFarmSpirit.
The post with the most ‘Likes’ from both social media platforms will receive a Workplace First Aid Kit from Big Safety valued at $180. Entries with the second and third most ‘Likes’ will each receive a Vehicle First Aid Kit from Big Safety valued at $31.95.
You are not alone. Sharing experiences, tips on recovery and ideas for dealing with the stress and fatigue that comes from the added workload, helps others who may be dealing with similar issues.
Hear our #BuildingFarmSpirit stories
Resources
Campfire Podcast Episode 20: Thinking through the flood recovery journey
Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and below. This Campfire podcast episode features speaker Dr Lauren Stracey, from Rural Aid.
Campfire Podcast Blog Post: Who is on your support team for flood recovery?
Rory is making himself focus on the things within his control and letting go of those he can’t.
Flood Support Resources
Please follow the advice of emergency services at all times.
Farmers who have been impacted by floods and require assistance or have urgent animal welfare needs, please contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Useful Links
- Managing Stress on the Farm booklet
- Download the Flood Recovery flyer here
- Having an event? Read our Media Guidelines & #Tags
Have a question? Contact us directly:
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