Thank a Farmer fills mental tank
An all-expenses paid weekend in Melbourne for farmers to spend some time away from their farms was given to 30 people recently, including two from Jarrahmond.
Run by a couple in Melbourne, Mark and Lauren Oliver, who also run the groups Mums Who Wine and Dads Who Wine, the Thank A Farmer Event is about creating a space for farming mums and dads to come together, connect and invest in their selfcare and mental health.
“We wanted to create a space to get farming mums and dads away with a friend to refill their cups because we know that when they go back home, their families are going to benefit, their communities are going to benefit and it will be really far reaching,” Lauren Oliver said.
Jarrahmond’s Dennis Reynolds was lucky enough to be nominated for the event at the start of August. “What they’re doing is great,” Mr Reynolds said. “It was good meeting other farmers, we all had a lot in common.
“I definitely highly recommend it. It’s a good experience and gets you away from the farm. I was honoured to be asked.” Dennis Reynolds
Mr Reynolds and nearby Jarrahmond fodder and beef farmer, Matt Trewin, took the opportunity to travel to Melbourne and were treated to a meal, accommodation, and travel on a water taxi to the MCG where they were met by Australian Cricketer, Cameron White, and then watched a game of AFL from a corporate box.
(HALF TIME: The dads enjoying a chat at Half Time of the game. Photo: Jakub Fabijanski.)
Mr Oliver said in Australia, male farmers died by suicide at rates significantly higher than the general population and non-farming rural males.
“The stresses and effects are not only limited to the male farmer, but also affects their family. At Mums Who Wine and Dads Who Wine, we believe that we can change these statistics by creating an avenue for mums and dads to invest in their mental health, outside of their life on the farm.
“I grew up in a farming community at Swan Hill and still have family on the farm,” Mr Oliver said.
“It was great to be able to give back to those who find it hardest to take much needed time out for themselves. These farming dads left the weekend with their tanks full and ready to get back into the grind of day to day life on the farm.”
Mr Oliver said he was excited to be organising another Thank A Farmer Event for the Melbourne Cup, for farming couples to attend and enjoy an incredible luxurious experience. Nominations will open soon, see the Thank a Farmer website for details.
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