Back on Track team to host post-trial community consultations across Victorian farming regions 

The Back on Track team is inviting farming community members, local leaders, service providers, and stakeholders with an interest in rural mental health and wellbeing to attend a series of post-trial community consultations in the North East, Gippsland and South West of Victoria this March. 

Back on Track is an innovative peer-guided mental health initiative designed to support farming communities experiencing low mood and depression. The program was co-designed with farmers and delivered by trained local coaches who understand farm life and the challenges faced by agricultural communities.  

In 2024–25, a feasibility trial of Back on Track was conducted across three Victorian dairy regions to explore how a locally delivered peer-led support model could work in practice, including recruitment and training of coaches, participant engagement, and alignment with the behavioural activation model at the heart of the program.  

Now that the trial has concluded and findings are being analysed, the Back on Track team will be visiting each region to share project insights, gather community feedback and discuss next steps. Sessions are open to anyone interested in the mental health and wellbeing of farming communities, including farmers, community leaders, service providers, agricultural industry representatives, and mental health stakeholders. 

Selected Back on Track Coaches who delivered the program during the trial will attend several consultations to share reflections on their experience working with participants in their communities. 

Consultation schedule: 
North East (Tallangatta) 
• Tuesday 3 March | 11:00am–1:00pm | Tallangatta Integrated Community Centre 
• Tuesday 3 March | 6:00pm–8:00pm | Victoria Hotel, Tallangatta 

Gippsland (Maffra) 
• Wednesday 4 March | 6:00pm–8:00pm | Maffra Community Sports Club 
• Thursday 5 March | 10:00am–12:00pm | Maffra Hall 

South West (Camperdown) 
• Wednesday 11 March | 11:00am–1:00pm | Killara Centre, Camperdown 
• Wednesday 11 March | 6:00pm–8:00pm | Hampden Hotel, Camperdown 

Sessions are free to attend and catering provided. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. 

RSVP by 28 February at the button below.

The Back on Track project was funded by the Gardiner Foundation and led by the National Centre for Farmer Health with research support from universities and health service partners.  

Media contact: 
Anna Greene 
Project Manager – Back on Track 
Phone: 03 5551 8533 
Email: BoT@wdhs.net 

Supporting the people behind the produce

NCFH Partner Impact in Action: Udder Delights

For more than 25 years, Udder Delights has remained committed to producing high-quality artisan cheese while maintaining strong, direct relationships with the dairy farmers who supply their milk. What began as a small family business has grown into a recognised name in Australia’s speciality cheese industry, without losing sight of its roots. 

Recognising the importance of supporting the people behind their products, Udder Delights partnered with the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) to contribute to farmer wellbeing in a meaningful and visible way. 

Pictured: Udder Delights General Manager Daniel Bryant.

“In a challenging financial climate impacted by uncertainty with fuel supply and other pressures, the programs that the NCFH runs are more important than ever.”   

Through a dedicated Udder Delights x NCFH cheese range, including Double Cream and Triple Cream Brie, 20 cents from every wheel sold is donated to the NCFH. This model ensures that consumers play a direct role in supporting farmer health with every purchase. 

“Consumers can see that by choosing one of our branded cheeses, they are directly supporting what the NCFH stands for,” Udder Delights General Manager Daniel Bryant says. 

“Putting a tangible figure on our partnership with the NCFH is important for consumers to understand that this isn’t simply ‘marketing talk’, but there is a direct financial contribution to a charity that aligns with our values.” 

The partnership reflects Udder Delights’ broader commitment to its farming network. 

“We values our partnerships with our farmers incredibly highly, and we have long-standing relationships with them,” Daniel explains. “With initiatives like our NCFH partnership, as well as our ‘Single Herd’ concept, we put a public-facing focus on these relationships.” 

Celebrating our farmers

Over the past two years, Udder Delights has contributed more than $20,000 to support NCFH programs, including Health and Lifestyle Assessments delivered to farmers across regional communities. As David explains, supporting farmer wellbeing is a natural extension of the organisation’s role within the dairy industry. 

“The dairy industry is so varied… but regardless of scale, there is a universal feeling of appreciation for the work that farmers do to supply the raw materials for us to process.” 

The partnership between Udder Delights and the National Centre for Farmer Health demonstrates how purpose-led collaboration can translate everyday consumer choices into meaningful, on-the-ground impact, supporting healthier farmers, stronger farming businesses, and more resilient rural communities. 

More information

Cecilia Fitzgerald
Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
03 5551 8533

See more Partner Impact in Action case studies

Tony and Angela Kealy

Advantage Feeders

Deafness Forum Australia

Fat Farmers

Gardiner Foundation

Investing in dairy community wellbeing

NCFH Partner Impact in Action: Gardiner Foundation

For more than 25 years, the Gardiner Foundation has focused on strengthening the Victorian dairy industry by investing in initiatives that support farmers, their businesses and their communities.

Today, the Gardiner Foundation brings together dairy farmers, researchers, industry bodies and dairy communities seeking to address shared challenges. It plays a key role as a strategic investor, backing programs that deliver long-term benefit across the sector.

Pictured: Gardiner Foundation CEO Allan Cameron.

“Over the years, we have seen first-hand what happens when farmers access the right health and wellbeing support at a critical time.”

Recognising the increasing pressures facing dairy farmers, including financial uncertainty, seasonal variability and social isolation, the Gardiner Foundation has partnered with the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) since the early 2000s to support practical, evidence-based wellbeing initiatives. 

For the Gardiner Foundation, supporting farmer wellbeing is seen as critical to the future of the dairy industry. 

“We cannot have a thriving dairy industry without healthy, resilient farm families. Farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and our supply chains, and the pressures they carry are often invisible. Wellbeing is not a soft issue – it is a productivity issue, a succession issue and a community survival issue,” CEO Allan Cameron says.

The partnership strongly aligns with Gardiner Foundation’s long-term focus on sustainable, community-led change. 

“The NCFH’s work is grounded in the real experience of farm life, the seasonal rhythms, the financial volatility, the geographic isolation and the cultural norms that can make farmers reluctant to seek help. What resonates most with us is the NCFH’s commitment to meeting farmers where they are, and its dedication to building lasting capability within farming communities rather than delivering short-term fixes.”

Getting Victorian dairy farmers Back on Track

Through its $492,000 investment in Back on Track, the Gardiner Foundation is helping to strengthen early intervention and peer support, enabling farmers to access support before challenges reach a crisis point. 

“We chose to fund the project because we could see that the NCFH was seeking to create an evidence-based, peer-supported intervention for farmers that could genuinely change lives. It is about addressing mental health in a way that is accessible to farmers – practical, non-clinical and delivered through trusted and familiar people,” Allan explains.

“Dairy farming is one of the most demanding vocations there is, and the challenges you face – financial, climatic, personal – are real and significant. But you are not alone. There are people that understand those challenges and are there to help. Programs like Back on Track are being developed because the industry recognises that your health and wellbeing matter, not just to you and your family, but to the whole community in which you live.

“We hope the results of the feasibility trial will unlock further investment, enabling more farmers to access peer support and creating stronger, more connected communities across our dairy regions.”

Looking ahead, the Gardiner Foundation sees opportunity to embed wellbeing as a core part of dairy industry practice. 

“The evidence from projects like Back on Track needs to be gathered, shared and applied across the broader dairy industry. We are keen to work with the NCFH to understand what is working well, where the gaps remain and how projects like Back on Track might be modelled, adapted and scaled for different communities.

“Ultimately, we want to see a Victorian dairy sector where mental health and wellbeing support is as routine and accessible as agronomic or financial advice, and collaborations like this one are how we get there.”

The partnership between Gardiner Foundation and the NCFH highlights how long-term investment and collaboration can strengthen communities and support the health and resilience of the dairy sector.

“Farmer wellbeing programs take time to build trust, reach the people who need them most, and demonstrate lasting impact. NCFH has the credibility, the expertise and the reach to deliver outcomes.”  

More information

Cecilia Fitzgerald
Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
03 5551 8533

See more Partner Impact in Action case studies

Tony and Angela Kealy

Advantage Feeders

Deafness Forum Australia

Fat Farmers

Udder Delights

Growing connected, healthy rural communities

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. 

More information

Cecilia Fitzgerald
Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
03 5551 8533

See more Partner Impact in Action case studies

Tony and Angela Kealy

Advantage Feeders

Deafness Forum Australia

Gardiner Foundation

Udder Delights

Embedding hearing health in agriculture

NCFH Partner Impact in Action: Deafness Forum Australia

Deafness Forum Australia’s partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is grounded in a shared commitment to improving the health, wellbeing and safety of farming communities.

Recognising the NCFH’s trusted presence within agriculture, the collaboration provides a powerful platform to embed hearing health where it is needed most. 

Pictured: Deafness Forum Australia CEO Rhonda Locke.

“Rather than creating something separate, we saw an opportunity to integrate hearing health into a platform that already reaches the people who need it most.”

At the heart of the partnership between Deafness Forum Australia and the NCFH is a focus on prevention, education and real-world impact. By embedding hearing health into programs such as Shifting Gears, which engages young people entering agriculture, the initiative ensures that health messages are not only delivered, but applied in practical, everyday settings. 

The Hearing Safety in Agriculture module complements the existing Shifting Gears teaching resources, which includes a video, three additional activities and suggested discussions for teachers to have important conversations with their students.

“This partnership allows us to move from advocacy into action,” Deafness Forum Australia CEO Rhonda Locke says. “We’re not just raising awareness, we’re contributing to long-term behaviour change.” 

Hearing safety remains an often-overlooked issue in agriculture, where it is frequently accepted as part of the job. Deafness Forum Australia is working to challenge this perception by ensuring education is relevant, practical and grounded in the realities of farming life. 

A key focus is early intervention. By reaching students through agricultural education and training, the partnership aims to normalise hearing protection from the beginning of a farming career, rather than trying to correct habits later.

As Rhonda notes, “Hearing loss in agriculture is often seen as part of the job, but it doesn’t have to be. Small, consistent actions taken early can make a significant difference over time. Protecting your hearing is part of protecting your livelihood, your independence and your connection to others.”

Partnerships that understand the communities they serve

Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to further integrate hearing health into broader farm safety conversations, reinforcing its importance alongside other critical health and wellbeing priorities. 

Together, Deafness Forum Australia and NCFH demonstrate how strategic collaboration can translate shared purpose into practical outcomes, embedding hearing health into farming life and supporting safer, more resilient rural communities. 

“The NCFH brings together research, education and lived experience in a way that creates real impact. Partnerships like this show what is possible when expertise is shared and solutions are built collaboratively.” 

More information

Cecilia Fitzgerald
Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
03 5551 8533

See more Partner Impact in Action case studies

Tony and Angela Kealy

Advantage Feeders

Fat Farmers

Gardiner Foundation

Udder Delights

Strengthening farmer health, wellbeing and safety

NCFH Partner Impact in Action: Advantage Feeders

Advantage Feeders has long been committed to supporting Australian livestock and sheep farmers through innovation, research, and practical solutions.

When it came to supporting farmer wellbeing, Advantage Feeders chose the National Centre for Farmer Health as a partner.

Pictured: Advantage Feeders Founder and CEO Gerard Roney.

“The National Centre for Farmer Health is the organisation most aligned with us in supporting the people that support us – farmers.”

Through the partnership to date, Advantage Feeders has contributed over $35,000 in support, including $11,699 in donated proceeds. These funds help the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) deliver health checks, research, and programs that make a real difference to farmers and their communities. 

“Commodity farming comes with many challenges. Our support helps the NCFH provide practical, proactive wellbeing programs to keep farmers healthy and resilient,” Gerard said.

Gerard emphasises the importance of supporting farmer wellbeing, observing that in commodity farming there are few areas of control. Fluctuations in the weather, input costs and commodity prices can also have a significant impact.   

“These challenges can make the lows farmers experience particularly difficult, underscoring the value of programs like the NCFH in providing practical, evidence-based support.” 

Advantage: Farmer health

Advantage Feeders’ commitment demonstrates how their partnership enables NCFH’s priorities come to life in practice, supporting stronger, healthier farming communities. 

“You deal with down-to-earth people with integrity and passion about their mission – it’s simple to contribute and be part of something meaningful.” 

Looking ahead, Gerard sees that if the NCFH expands its programs, their partnership could help more farmers access vital support and services. 

“If the NCFH expands, our support could help farmers in more regions, including those further from their physical base.” 

For farmers and industry supporters, Advantage Feeders’ message is clear: 

“All farmers face challenges, but mechanisms of support exist. The NCFH provides practical, evidence-based programs to help farmers respond and stay healthy, and our partnership is one way we contribute to that impact.” 

The partnership between Advantage Feeders and the NCFH underscores how focused support and aligned purpose can strengthen farming communities, enhance wellbeing, and contribute to a healthier more resilient agricultural sector. 

More information

Cecilia Fitzgerald
Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
03 5551 8533

See more Partner Impact in Action case studies

Tony and Angela Kealy

Deafness Forum Australia

Fat Farmers

Gardiner Foundation

Udder Delights

Healthy farmers make stronger families and safer farms

NCFH Partner Impact in Action: Tony and Angela Kealy

“The results showed we weren’t in great health overall… that was a turning point.”

For Western Victorian sheep farmers, Tony and Angela Kealy, one of the most important investments they’ve made in their farming career hasn’t just been in land or livestock, it’s been in their own health. 

The Kealy’s discovered that healthy farmers make stronger families and safer farms. By prioritising wellbeing through a National Centre for Farmer Health program, they not only transformed their own habits but inspired their children to do the same. 

This is their story. 

Angela and Tony Kealy’s farm is more than just land and livestock. It’s a way of a life, family legacy, and now, a shared future across generations. 

Farming over 6,000 acres just shy of the South Australian border in western Victoria, the couple have built a thriving merino sheep enterprise since 1986. Today, three of their four children are part of the farming business, with the fourth still living locally. While the farm has grown with the next generation, the couple have made deliberate choices to prioritise their health along the way.  

A turning point for farmer health 

Like many farmers, Tony reflects that in earlier years, health simply wasn’t a priority. 

“Most males consider themselves bulletproof at 30 or 40… we don’t need to go to the doctor.” 

That mindset began to change around 20 years ago, when farm consultant John Marriott encouraged Tony and Angela to attend a Sustainable Farm Families health program through the NCFH. 

After some persistence, they attended a two-day health check in Hamilton, an experience that would reshape their approach to wellbeing. 

“We had all the tests done, bloods, weight, measurements and the results showed we weren’t in great health overall.” 

Rather than a one-off check, the program required participants to set goals and return 12 months later to track progress. That accountability proved critical. 

“It just keeps you on track. It’s too easy to go back to old habits, but if you know you’re being checked, you keep working towards something.” 

Practical changes that last 

The program didn’t just highlight health risks, it provided practical, achievable ways to improve. From learning how to read food labels to reducing processed foods and sugars, the Kealy’s began making small but meaningful changes at home. 

“Just being aware of what’s in packaged food, the salt, the sugar, that was a big shift. We started eating more fresh food.” 

Tony also set a simple, measurable goal after one health check: “My waist was close to the obesity range. So, I aimed to reduce it by one centimetre a month, and I did.” 

But perhaps the most impactful change was also the simplest. 

“We started walking every morning, and we still do.” 

What began as a health goal quickly became something more. 

“It’s not just the walk. It’s the 40–45 minutes we spend talking. You don’t get that time at the end of the day when you’re tired.” 

Health, safety and the farm environment 

The Kealy’s experience with the NCFH extended beyond personal wellbeing. It prompted them to look more closely at safety across their entire operation. 

“It’s not just about our own health; it’s about the safety of our staff as well.” 

From identifying hazards around sheds and machinery to engaging WorkSafe assessments, the family became more proactive about reducing risks, something they say is critical in an industry where serious injuries can often go unnoticed. 

“You read about fatalities, but you don’t always hear about the near misses. There’s a lot we can do to prevent them.” 

Why farmer-focused health matters 

One of the biggest barriers to health care in rural communities is often access and time. Angela explains that traditional health care pathways can feel too complicated for busy farmers. 

“With a doctor, it can take multiple appointments over weeks. At the NCFH, everything happens in one day, you get your tests, your results, and your plan.” 

Equally important is the environment. 

“You know everyone there is a farmer. It feels comfortable; people understand your life.” 

This sense of understanding and connection has helped the Kealy’s stay engaged over the long term. 

“It helps that they contact you. Otherwise, life gets busy and you just keep putting things off.” 

A generational ripple effect 

Perhaps the most powerful impact of the Kealys’ involvement with the NCFH is what it has meant for the next generation. 

Their children have grown up seeing health treated as a priority, from regular check-ups to daily walks and healthier food choices. 

“They’ve seen us make it a priority, and now they’re doing the same with their own families.” 

That includes encouraging physical activity, preparing healthier meals, and making time for wellbeing alongside the demands of farming life. 

Adapting to a changing industry 

Modern farming, the Kealy’s note, is very different from previous generations. 

“Farming today is much more sedentary. We’re not doing the physical work our parents and grandparents did.” 

With more mechanisation and time spent in vehicles, maintaining physical health now requires deliberate effort. That’s where proactive health programs play a critical role. 

“It’s much easier to address issues early than wait until something serious happens.” 

Looking ahead 

Today, Angela and Tony see their role evolving. With their children now managing the farm, they’re focused on supporting the next generation and enjoying time with their grandchildren. 

“The dream is to keep supporting them for as long as we can.” 

They also recognise that maintaining their own health is key to making that possible. 

“It’s a small investment of time each year compared to dealing with a serious illness later.” 

For the Kealy family, the impact of engaging with the NCFH has extended far beyond individual check-ups. 

It has shaped habits, improved communication, strengthened safety, and influenced the health and wellbeing of an entire family across generations. 

More information

Cecilia Fitzgerald
Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager
03 5551 8533

See more Partner Impact in Action case studies

Advantage Feeders

Deafness Forum Australia

Fat Farmers

Gardiner Foundation

Udder Delights

Bringing farmer health checks direct to farming communities at Sheepvention Rural Expo

Farmers attending Sheepvention Rural Expo from 2-3 August in Hamilton will have access to free, practical health assessments, as the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) and Fat Farmers continue their partnership to strengthen health outcomes for farmers, ag workers and their families by bringing health checks direct to premier agricultural events. 

The collaboration builds on successful field day programs across South Australia and Victoria, bringing together face-to-face farmer health assessments and the Fat Farmers’ purpose-built mobile health hub clinic, which provides a clean, private clinical space designed specifically for delivering health services. 

The initiative is centred on making preventative health care more accessible for farmers, many of whom find it difficult to prioritise routine health checks during demanding seasons on-farm. The free on-site assessments provide an important opportunity to identify early health risks before they develop into more serious conditions. 

NCFH health professionals are trained in the specific risks faced by farmers and agricultural workers, including chemical handling, noise exposure, fatigue, physical strain, and long working hours. This ensures that occupational hazards can be identified and conversations tailored to the realities of farming life. 

At Sheepvention, farmer health clinicians will be supported by SISU health technology, enabling efficient, accurate and consistent health measurements, including blood pressure and heart rate measurements, cholesterol and blood glucose screening, height, weight and body composition assessment. 

Together, these tools support a comprehensive and efficient health snapshot, helping farmers better understand key indicators of their health in a short, practical appointment. 

Attendance at Sheepvention Rural Expo is supported through sponsorship from the Hamilton Pastoral & Agricultural Society and Iluka Resources.  

NCFH and Fat Farmers acknowledge the importance of partnership and sponsorship support in strengthening access to preventative health programs in rural and regional communities, particularly in settings where farmers already gather. 

NCFH Agri Clinician Jessica Fletcher encourages those attending Sheepvention to take a moment during the event to check in on their health. 

“Sheepvention is a great opportunity for farmers to connect with others from their community, take in the highlights and displays from exhibitors, and take 20 minutes out of a busy schedule to check in on their health. These assessments are quick, practical and designed around farming life, and they can make a real difference in picking up early health risks,” Jess said. 

To access a free health check, simply look out for the blue NCFH flags and the Fat Farmers Health Hub truck, walk in and sign up on the day. 

For more information about farmer health support and upcoming events, visit farmerhealth.org.au.

* END OF RELEASE*

For more information, please contact:

National Centre for Farmer Health
P: 03 5551 8533

Our new e-news: Thriving on the Land – July 2026 update

What you need to know in farmer health, wellbeing and safety from the National Centre for Farmer Health

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Grow your career as a Research Assistant with the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Casual Research Assistant position with the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Applications close: Sunday 14 June 2026

Exciting opportunity to join our team as a Casual Research Assistant. At the NCFH, we are engaged in a wide range of research activities across the areas of physical health, mental health and farm safety.

This position would suit an Early Career Researcher (ECR) looking to build a research track record with an interest in working in (or returning to) a rural community. The position will offer exposure to a wide range of research experiences (with a strong focus on translational research) and provide a challenging and growth-oriented career opportunity.

An initial focus of the role will be on supporting the evaluation of our Health and Lifestyle Assessment program, while collaborating with internal teams, partner universities, and farming communities. Key responsibilities include attending project meetings, liaising with stakeholders, assisting with data collection, and contributing to the reporting and presentation of research findings.

Further Information

To view the position description and to apply, please be directed at the button below. For further details please contact NCFH Director, Alison Kennedy, via email: alison.kennedy@wdhs.net or phone Tel (03) 5551 8533.

To view other career opportunities at the NCFH, please visit our careers page.

Farmer Health eNews June 2026

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Applications now open for HMF702 scholarships.

Grow your impact. Support farming communities. Apply for a farmer health study scholarship.

Australia’s agricultural communities face unique and evolving challenges. From climate impacts and workforce pressures to mental health and service access. HMF702: Healthy and Sustainable Agricultural Communities provides the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful, place‑based change.

With support from the National Centre for Farmer Health, a limited number of half-scholarships are available for Trimester 2, 2026 (Jul – Oct), helping to support rural professionals to undertake this 100% online Deakin University postgraduate unit.

If you work in health, agriculture, policy, education, or community services and are passionate about strengthening the wellbeing of farming communities this opportunity is for you.

Applications open 25 May and close 25 June 2026.

Invest in your professional development and help shape healthier futures for agricultural communities. Visit www.farmerhealth.org.su/scholarships or contact Dr Jacquie Cotton j.cotton@deakin.edu.au for further information.

Vic government continues investment to support farmer health with critical funding

The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) has welcomed $900,000 in funding from the Victorian Government in this week’s Budget announcement.  

In a time of unprecedented pressures, the investment will ensure farmers can continue to access the NCFH’s evidence-based programs, services and resources to support their health, wellbeing and safety. 

“The current challenges facing our farmers are unlike anything we have seen before. The effects of rising input costs, fuel shortages, volatile markets and an ever-changing climate are compounded at the farm gate and our farmers are feeling it,” NCFH Director Alison Kennedy said. 

“The Victorian Government’s commitment of $900,000 in funding shows that they see our farmers, and they are committed to investing in the health, wellbeing and safety of the people who produce our nation’s food and fibre. We are very grateful for the continuation of this decades-long support.”  

The NCFH is a partnership between Western District Health Service and Deakin University. Since 2008 it has worked with primary producers, agriculture industry members, researchers, health services and all levels of government to develop and delivera range of programs and resources, including: 

“We see first-hand how our services and programs have long-lasting impacts on the lives of farmers, their families and communities,” Alison said.  

“Around 20 years ago, sheep farmers Tony and Angela Kealy took part in our Sustainable Farm Families program after encouragement from a farm consultant. What started as a health check became a long-term shift in how they approach wellbeing – they not only transformed their own habits which continue today, but they inspired their children to do the same.”  

The NCFH invests government funding in the operation of the Centre, to support the delivery of programs and services to Victorian farmers. Building on this, the NCFH is active in securing additional funding and grants for health projects and research from around Australia – enabling them to reach more farmers nationally and deliver innovative longer-term projects.  

The NCFH also recently hosted a Partnering for Impact: Industry Showcase which brought together partners, sponsors and industry leaders to celebrate collaborative achievements that are driving long-term change, and discuss the opportunities to further strengthen farming communities across Australia.  

“We are committed to long-term collaborations with partners who share our dedication to improving outcomes for farmers and their families. This ongoing support not only guarantees a continuation of our research into the health needs and priorities in rural Australia, but also ensures we can scale-up our programs to reach more farming communities,” Alison said. 

“Government funding, corporate and philanthropic partnerships, in-kind support and other collaborations are all crucial to the future of the NCFH and there are many ways to partner with us to achieve on-the-ground impact.” 

For more information or to find out how to support the National Centre for Farmer Health, visit farmerhealth.org.au

* END OF RELEASE*

For more information, please contact:

Dr Alison Kennedy – Director, National Centre for Farmer Health

P: 03 5551 8533 | M: 0407 549 970 | E: alison.kennedy@wdhs.net