Please note: this is an old article
It was published in March 2019, so the information may be out-of-date.
Two "Look Over The Farm Gate" initiative events where held recently for Dairy Farmers in Merrigum & Katandra.
These events were aimed at increasing awareness around mental health in agriculture and fostering a "look out for you, look out for them" community mentality. Both events where successful in reaching their goals with Mayor Kim O’Keeffe in attendance to present the lucky dairy farmer family winners with a hamper supplied by Bunbartha Beef.
The Look Over the Farm Gate program is a mental health and wellbeing initiative for drought affected communities, funded by the Victorian Government.
Community groups, local government, and VFF branches are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $1,500 to run social events and community initiatives that bring together neighbours and the community to spend some time off farm to relax with family and friends.
The Look Over the Farm Gate grants can fund once-off events or a series of events. Events can range from a free community barbeque, regular fitness meet-ups, community tree planting, or a family movie night – whatever your community needs to come together and take a break.
Look Over the Farm Gate is also a call to action for rural communities to look out for one another, promote social inclusion, create awareness about mental health; and reduce the impact it has on rural communities.
Look Over the Farm Gate was developed in 2015 in response to the drought impacting north west Victoria, and was extended in 2016 to areas affected by the dairy crisis. The aim of the initiative was to increase mental health awareness, support rural communities in building resilience and encourage local action to look out for one another.
For more information visit HERE.