Community
26 June, 2025
Uniting to support farmers
VOLUNTEERS united to fire up the barbecue in support of farmers last week.
Members of Let’s Talk Foundation joined with members of the Mortlake Lions Club and Mortlake Men’s Shed at the Western Victoria Livestock Exchange last Thursday to support farmers who are struggling through the ongoing drought with a free feed and vital mental health and financial service resources.
Let’s Talk Foundation community activation lead Kelly Marson said ensuring those struggling knew how to access vital support was important to help people navigate the uncertainty of the conditions.
“It’s about being here with valuable resources to show the support available to farmers during the drought,” she said.
“We want to create conversation around checking in on one another and bringing farmers together.
“Everyone is doing it tough at the moment, so events which can bring farmers together and create a safe space for conversations to happen is important.”
Ms Marson said there was an emphasis on mental health support, but acknowledged it had been heart-warming to see the lengths people in the industry were going to support one another.
“Country and rural people are really good at leaning on each other, having conversations and checking in on each other,” she said.
“We know there’s country camaraderie so creating spaces where farmers can learn more about resources if they’re not doing too well, or if they are looking for support, is important.
“At the end of the day when they’re walking out the door, they have information on hand for their local area to know where to go to get support.”
Ms Marson said information given out on the day, in addition to at various information sessions such as the ‘Round Up A Farmer’ dinner on Wednesday evening, had a focus on resources which could help guide farmers through the drought.
“We’ve been giving out information such as looking after mental health but also services such as rural financial counselling,” she said.
“We also have a Harvesting Change booklet designed with the Victorian Farmers Federation which talks about taking charge of mental health, ways to go about it and how to start the conversation.”
Mortlake Lions Club president Heather Rowe said members were thrilled to be involved, manning the barbecue to serve up a free feast for those in attendance.
“We’re supporting Let’s Talk Foundation in their efforts to support the farmers by providing them with free sausages,” she said.
“It’s been really good.
“A lot of farmers and agents have been happy to grab a sausage, and also donating money towards the cause.
“It’s important for the Mortlake Lions Club to support the farmers and Let’s Talk Foundation.
“We love to support people in need where we can.”
While the feast was free, it didn’t stop donations flowing in which raised $218.50 in support of Let’s Talk.
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