Support Hub – Victorian resources for managing tough times
Welcome to our Victorian Support Hub, where you will find a range of mental health resources and information tailored for Victorian farmers and agricultural communities. Farming can be both rewarding and challenging, with unique pressures tied to the seasons and unexpected events like natural disasters.
View national resourcesOn this page:
This hub is here to support you with practical tools and guidance to help you prepare for and manage tough times, whether you’re navigating the demands of the farming calendar or facing extreme challenges.
This is not a crisis support page. If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately or access crisis support.
Mental health support
Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs
Provide free support for a wide range of issues, including mental health support, substance abuse or addiction without needing a referral.
1300 375 330
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing-hubs Partners in Wellbeing
Free wellbeing coaching services for Victorians aged 16 and over.
1300 375 330
https://partnersinwellbeing.org.auFlying Doctor Wellbeing
Free mental health and wellbeing support to Victorian rural and remote communities via face-to-face, telehealth, and telephone appointments.
(03) 8412 0480
wellbeing@rfdsvic.com.au.https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/what-we-do/wellbeing/Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals
A free service for adults aged 26 and over. They provide treatment, care and support close to home. All support is free and you don’t need a referral from your doctor or a Medicare card.
https://betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mhwlocalWomen’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE)
State-wide free support, information and referral service for Victorian women, non-binary and gender-diverse people.
1300 134 130
https://wire.org.au/about/what-we-doFor national support services, please visit the national Support Hub.
Managing Stress on the Farm
View or order the Managing Stress on the Farm publication for practical guidance.
Learn MoreCampfire Podcast
Engaging, solution-focused podcasts on work-related risks to mental health on the farm.
Listen NowTackling the tough topics
A new step-by-step guide to plan mental health and wellbeing events in farming communities, coming soon!
Support and information for specific groups
Alcohol and drug issues
Direct Line
Confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral. Phone or online 24/7.
1800 888 236
https://directline.org.auAlcohol and Other Drugs Treatment
Listing of telephone and online services for Victorians seeking drug and alcohol support.
https://health.vic.gov.au/aod-treatment-services/telephone-and-online-servicesChildren, youth, parents and families
Safe steps – Family Violence Response Centre
For anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
1800 015 188
https://safesteps.org.auCALD Communities
Catholic Care Victoria
Provides support for refugees and asylum seekers to build strong connections.
1800 123 228
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/types/multicultural-services/Uniting
Provide a range of multicultural programs and services across Victoria and Tasmania. Services can support individuals with food, housing, financial assistance, immigration guidance, legal advice, and referrals to employment, education, health, and counselling services.
https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/multicultural-services/ For national support services, please visit the national Support Hub.
Business support
Rural Financial Counselling Service: Western Victoria
Provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
1300 735 578
Location: Hamiltonhttps://rfcsvictoriawest.com.auRural Financial Counselling Service: Gippsland
Provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
1300 045 747
Location: Leongathahttps://ruralfinancialcounselling.org.auRural Financial Counselling Service: North east Victoria
Provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
1300 834 775
Location: Wodongahttp://www.rfcsvicne.org.auRural Financial Counselling Service: North west Victoria
Provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
1300 769 489
Location: Mildurahttps://wswrcs.com.auFor national support services, please visit the national Support Hub.
Emergency and disaster recovery resources
Vic Emergency Relief and Recovery
Up-to-date information on where to find services in the relief and recovery stage of a natural disaster.
https://emergency.vic.gov.au/reliefAgriculture Victoria
Access up-to-date information to help producers and landholders manage their farm during natural disasters.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.auEmergency Recovery Resource Portal
Resources to enable community-led recovery and resilience practices.
1800 560 760
https://emv.vic.gov.au/emergency-recovery-resource-portal For national support services, please visit the national Support Hub.
Useful resources
The Climate Dogs
Provides information about six drivers that influence Victoria’s climate.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather/understanding-weather-climate-and-forecasting/the-climatedogs-the-six-drivers-that-influence-victorias-climateFor national support services, please visit the national Support Hub.
Dealing with a stressful season
See our flyer for quick tips and information to help you navigate challenging times with confidence and care.
Download now#BuildingFarmSpirit
Discover inspiring stories of resilience and recovery as farmers share their experiences overcoming the challenges of floods.
Find out moreSteering Straight: My Plan to Keep on Track
A resource designed to help farmers focus on wellbeing, reflection, and planning for challenges ahead.
Download nowFunded through the Victorian Government’s Farming Safe and Well Program
|
|