NCFH Partner Impact in Action: Fat Farmers
Founded in 2012 as a grassroots initiative between three farmers going to the gym, today, Fat Farmers has grown into an organisation with a national reach and a clear mission to inspire rural communities to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.
In an industry where the focus is often on caring for livestock and crops, the organisation is helping shift the narrative toward prioritising personal health.
Pictured: Fat Farmers CEO Richard Sheppy
“Our motivation comes from the positive impact stories that we hear from our group attendees and their families. We know we are making a difference to the lives of people across rural Australia.”
For Fat Farmers CEO Richard Sheppy, changing attitudes toward health in rural communities is essential.
“Self-care is crucial… organisations such as Fat Farmers, Active Farmers and the National Centre for Farmer Health can play a part in helping shift the narrative,” he said.
Recognising the challenges facing farmers, including isolation, limited access to health care and increasing uncertainty, Fat Farmers has partnered with the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) to extend its impact.
“We are ‘connectors’ and not ‘clinicians’, so the decision to partner with the NCFH to deliver farmer Health and Lifestyle Assessments has been an easy one,” Richard explains.
Through this partnership, the NCFH’s evidence-based programs are delivered via Fat Farmers’ mobile Health Hub at field days and community events, bringing practical health services directly to farmers.
“A collaborative mindset is key… partnering with the NCFH allows us to build our community reach while supporting programs backed by research.”
Working together to maximise impact
At the heart of the partnership is a shared vision to create healthier farming communities. Fat Farmers provides a safe and familiar space for engagement, helping amplify the reach and impact of NCFH programs.
“When people see Fat Farmers at events, they know they can come and connect in a safe space, this helps extend the reach of NCFH programs.”
Looking ahead, Richard sees collaboration as key to achieving greater impact across rural Australia.
“We should be able to demonstrate that when organisations like ours work together, we can deliver impact and value that others seek to replicate.”
For farmers and industry supporters, the message is clear: “We are a grassroots organisation with our feet firmly in the bush, we understand the complexities farmers face because we are farmers.”
The partnership between Fat Farmers and the NCFH highlights how collaboration, trust and shared purpose can strengthen communities and support the long-term health and wellbeing of rural Australia.