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. 

Find out more about partnering with the NCFH

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.

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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.

Find out more and apply

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.

learn more & apply hmf702 scholarship

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

Farmer Health eNews May 2026

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Important Update: Farmer Needlestick Injury Resources, April 2026.

We’ve released an updated Farmer Needlestick Injuries – Risks and Recommended Treatments Table and Brochure to reflect new products and the latest safety guidance, helping you respond quickly and appropriately if an incident happens and what to take with you when getting medical attention.

With several recent incidents, it’s vital those working with livestock and health professionals have access to the most up-to-date information to reduce risk, support correct clinical management and safe handling practices.

Working with livestock injectables, especially oil-based adjuvants, carries serious risks if a needlestick injury occurs.

These resources are particularly important for sheep and cattle producers and anyone handling vaccines or injectables on-farm.

Older versions have now been superseded. To avoid confusion, make sure you’re using the latest version dated April 2026.

To access our updated resources, Please visit our Farmer Needlestick Injuries page at the button below.

farmer needlestick injuries

Heart Health

Australians living in rural and remote areas experience more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, higher rates of CVD-related hospitalisation and are more likely to die of CVD than those in metropolitan areas. The further a person lives from a metropolitan centre, the greater their risk of hospitalisation and death from cardiovascular disease. Living and working on a farm can mean that you are even further away from Emergency Departments that are suitable to treat a possible heart attack. Because of the distance, farm men and women often wait too long before seeking help. With heart attacks every minute counts and getting medical help quickly is important to save heart muscle.   

Many women mistakenly believe that heart disease is only a male problem and dismiss their symptoms or don’t seek help until their condition becomes serious. This is of great concern as heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in women and men.

Contributing factors for higher rates of CVD in rural and remote communities are the result of many compounding issues:

How Cardiovascular disease develops

The liver is the main processing centre for cholesterol and dietary fat. When we eat too much-saturated fat, (saturated fat usually comes from animals and red meat)  the liver transports the fat, together with cholesterol in the form of lipoproteins, into our bloodstream. Too many circulating low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in our bloodstream lead to fatty deposits that develop in the arteries. This causes the vessels to narrow and eventually block, leading to heart disease, heart attack and stroke and risking the heart pump to stop at any time.

As with saturated fats, consuming too much-added sugar will impact your cholesterol. Excessive sugar intake will increase calories. If not burnt up as energy, they will travel to the liver and be converted into triglyceride fats. Triglyceride fats are then dumped back into the bloodstream contributing to more fatty deposits in the arteries.

For more information on how to find out more about your heart disease risk Click here

For more information on how to keep your heart health Click here

Fast Facts

References used for this topic

More Information:

National Rural Health Alliance
Heart Disease Challenges

Deaths in Australia – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Leading cause of death in Australia

Heart Foundation
Know your risks

National Centre for Farmer Health
Directors Blog 2020 – Hearten up! Heart health matters

World Heart Day 2021 Resources
What is CVD? – World Heart Day (world-heart-federation.org)

Directors Blog  2020 – Hearten up! Heart health matters https://farmerhealth.org.au/directors-blog-hearten-up-heart-health-matters/

Clinical Care:

Medicare Benefits Schedule
Heart Health Check

Partnering for Impact: NCFH showcase to connect ag industry leaders to safeguard farmer health

With a dedicated vision to continue to invest in strengthening farmer health, wellbeing and safety, the National Centre for Farmer Health(NCFH) is inviting industry partners and sponsors to join agricultural leaders on 23 April in Melbourne for its inaugural Partnering for Impact: Industry Showcase – an opportunity to collaborate, invest and help drive meaningful impact across Australia’s farming communities.

The event will highlight the importance of collaboration and partnerships for the NCFH, showcasing how these investments create systemic change that leads to more resilient farming communities, which is critical during times of uncertainty. 

“The challenges facing farmers are complex, interconnected and deeply human, and they can’t be solved by any one organisation working alone,” NCFH Director Alison Kennedy said.  

“Climate extremes, geopolitical pressures and the multi-faceted challenges in day-to-day farming are long-term issues – and they require long-term solutions. We need to move away from relying on reactive support following an extreme event, and focus on developing sustainable, ongoing partnerships which will help us to safeguard farmer health, wellbeing and safety into the future.” 

The showcase will celebrate the real-world impact of its current partnerships on farms, field days, schools and regional communities. Attendees will hear from leaders across agriculture, agribusiness, corporate and philanthropic sectors who will share how their support of the NCFH’s evidence-based programs are driving improved health outcomes for farmers.  

Panel speakers include: 

The showcase will also highlight the diverse avenues for partnership with the NCFH through corporate, philanthropic and in-kind support.  

As a farmer health development partner, philanthropic and corporate organisations can support innovative new research and emerging high-impact solutions that advance the NCFH’s mission. Service delivery partners allow organisations, government bodies, industry groups and community stakeholders to bring established NCFH programs directly to their regions through event sponsorships or donations.  

“Partnerships are central to our work at the NCFH. They allow us to scale what we know is working, continue to innovate, and translate research into real-world impact,” Alison said. 

“There is a great opportunity for anyone interested in supporting our work to get involved. Our partnerships pathways are collaborative, flexible and tailored to reflect the individual values and interests of our partners.  

“We’re excited to celebrate the impact of our current collaborations and explore how we can work together to enhance farmer health, wellbeing and safety, both now and into the future.” 

To register for the NCFH’s Partnering for Impact: Industry Showcase, please contact Cecilia Fitzgerald on 03 5551 8533 or cecilia.fitzgerald@wdhs.net.

* END OF RELEASE*

For more information, please contact:

Cecilia Fitzgerald – Business Development and Industry Engagement Manager, National Centre for Farmer Health 
P: 03 5551 8533 | E: cecilia.fitzgerald@wdhs.net

Supporting Farmer Mental Health Through Peer-Led Innovation

Back-on-Track: Protocol for Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of Behavioural Activation in Farmers

Overview

A new study outlines the Back-on-Track feasibility trial, an innovative program designed to support the mental health of people living and working in farming communities. The research describes a randomised controlled feasibility trial testing a peer-guided behavioural activation program aimed at addressing low mood and depression among farmers.

Farmers face unique stressors, including financial pressures, climate variability, geographic isolation and limited access to mental health services, yet many do not engage with traditional support services. The Back-on-Track program was co-designed with farming communities to ensure support is practical, culturally appropriate and accessible.

The program trains trusted local community members as peer coaches, who deliver a structured 10-session behavioural activation program designed to help participants build positive routines, set goals and reconnect with activities that support wellbeing. The trial evaluates whether this model is feasible, acceptable and scalable for farming communities.

Key insights

Kennedy, A., Brumby, S., et al. 2026Back-on-Track: Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial of a peer-guided behavioural activation program to support farmer mental health International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health23(2), 199.Go to page