Farmer Wants a Healthy Life

In this episode we hear from Nick Blandford about the impact self-worth has had on his life. He shares what a community program helped him realise about himself and being a farmer. He also talks about what supports are out there for farmers now and what he would like to see for them in future.  Interested in the topic and looking for more? What is self-worth? Find out at BetterHelp . Or find other...

In this episode we hear from Mary Johnson on working with, rather than on, the land. Mary shares her experiences of growing up on the farm and how she has developed a strong connection to the land. She also talks about the benefits of working together and time off the farm.  Interested in the topic and looking for more? In the episode Mary talked about the importance of volunteers to small towns,...

In this episode we hear from Jan Brunswick about how her partner’s gambling affected her. Jan shares how she tried to help and the reasons she stayed as long as she did. She also shares why she left them for good and how she helps others in the same position now.  Interested in the topic and looking for more? Are you like Jan needing support because of someone’s gambling? The following gambling se...

In this episode we hear from Aaron Schultz on his journey to better health for himself and men in the country. Aaron shares how alcohol, anxiety and exercise have shaped his life. He also shares what made him start The Outback Mind and his hopes for its future. The Outback Mind Foundation - website , Facebook and Instagram .  Or listen to the podcast via the website , Spotify, Podbean or iTunes. I...

In this episode we hear from Jessie Adams from the National Centre for Farmer Health. Jessie shares how she is working toward making farms safer for children. She shares her top tips for what you can do now, and programs currently running.  Interested in the topic and looking for more? Want to hear more about the surveys Jessie did? You can find out more information here . In the episode Jessie me...

In this episode we hear from Anna Johansson on her experience of being a Swedish woman on an Aussie farm. Anna shares her joy of growing and eating her own food. She also shares how she finds happiness outside of the money-making rat race.  You can see Anna’s home grown produce and some of what she makes with them on her farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages.  Interested in the topic and looking for...

In this episode we hear from Kelly Barnes about what led her to start the Mates Dog School. Kelly shares her passion for her dogs and how they have helped her mental health, and how she uses it to help others. She also talks about the way we as people, especially farmers, see dogs in our lives. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Want to hear more about Kelly’s Mates Dog School? Check ou...

In this episode we hear from Mandy Noble, a Service System Navigator with The Orange Door Horsham. Mandy talks about what The Orange Door is and how it came about. She also talks about Family Violence and its different forms.  In an emergency call 000 If you live in the Wimmera and need support, you can contact The Orange Door in Horsham by: Calling 1800 271 042 Or find them at 3-7 Madden St, Hors...

In this episode we hear from Tania Walter about how she is helping farmers to be more active in Marnoo. She shares her passion for running the group and the joy it brings to her and others that come. She also talks about how her and her husband run a bio-dynamic farm and how that came about.  Interested in the topic and looking for more? Has listening to Tania inspired you to put more movement in...

In this episode we hear from Margaret Millington about the impact death has had on her life. She shares the lessons she has learnt from losing people she loves, and the need to be aware of dangers. She also talks about what brought her to the Wimmera and how it offered her a chance for renewal.   Interested in the topic and looking for more? Margaret shared her experiences of grief and what helped...

In this episode we hear from Lyall McClure, Natimuk local who has not let close calls with death stop him. Lyall shares his four close calls with death and how he has moved forward with his life after. He also shares how he keeps a smile on his face and joy for life. Interested in the topic and looking for more? In the episode Lyall mentioned one of his close calls was a heart attack, but what exa...

In this episode, West Wimmera Health Service's own Leanne Yew talks about stress. Leanne is WWHS's lead social worker. She shares her knowledge on stress, our responses to it and how long term stress can affect us. She also share her tips for managing stress and where to get help.    Interested in the topic and looking for more? The WWHS social work and welfare department can help with a...

In this episode we hear from Gary Smith on his experience living with chronic pain. Gary shares how pain effects his everyday life and how he copes. He also shares how his passion for his animals helps him deal with the pain and live his life. Interested in the topic and looking for more? You can also find more information on chronic pain in general at Health Direct . The Wimmera Southern Mallee I...

In this episode we hear from Leigh Dwyer, farmer, long time CFA volunteer and trans woman. Leigh shares her story and how she has come to accept all parts of herself. She also talks about her experiences since transitioning. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Are you part of the LGBTI+ community and looking for support? Check out these dedicated support services and advice pages: Rainbo...

In this episode we hear from John Bradshaw about gambling. He shares his knowledge about the harm it can cause, tips for stopping and services available to help you. He also talks about the sessions he provides for kids on gambling and how it is not a normal part of sport. If you need help with gambling you can contact Gamblers Help’s confidentially 24/7 for free at 1800 858 858. Interested in the...

In this episode we hear from farmer David Drage about how climate change affects farmers. David shares what he is doing to adapt to climate change and what help is available. He also shares what he is doing as part of Adapt Grampians. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Adapt Grampians is a regional hub working to ensure we adjust and thrive in our changing climate. It is a regional hub...

In this episode we hear from Patrick Quiane about the Wimmera Pride Project. Patrick shares his knowledge about the LGBTI+ community, and some of their struggles. He also shares how being queer in a small town can be different to the city. He also talks about the joy coming out can bring and how important support is.  You can find out more about the Wimmera Pride Project via their Website , Facebo...

In this episode we hear from Dan Irwin, about his experience with gambling. Dan shares how he become addicted to gambling and how it affected him and his family. He also shares what made him quit and how he helps others to do so now. If you need help with gambling you can contact Gamblers Help’s confidentially 24/7 for free at 1800 858 858. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Gambling he...

In this episode we hear from David Manning and Ben Weissner, who talk all things chronic pain. They share the ways they are working to help people with chronic pain to recover and function well. They also share a few tips for pain management. Find more on the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Integrated Pain Service here . Interested in the topic and looking for more? You can also find more information...

In this first episode of season three, we hear from some of the attendees of the recent Gather Grow and Thrive event. They share their experiences of being a woman on a farm and how it has changed over time. They also talk about the importance of connection and how they can be change agents. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The Gather Grow and Thrive event was hosted by Partners in Ag...

In this last episode of series two we have tried something a little different.  Through the interviews we noticed some themes about the role of family and friends and the benefit of making access to health support easier.  You will hear from a number of people about ways to get health help close to home. You will hear some familiar voices talk about the topics of telehealth and mental health. You...

In this episode, West Wimmera Health Services own Trish Heinrich shares how she helps farmers at field days with on the spot health’ checks. Trish is a WWHS nurse, who also works for and trained by the National Centre for Farmer Health in Agrisafe’. She talks about what happens when you get a farmer health check and how they can help you. She also talks about her top tips for harvest time health. ...

In this episode we hear from Jason Mellings on his experience of having a VFF Making Our Farms Safer safety audit done. He shares what made him decide to get the audit done and what he has learnt from it. He also talks about the impact of bullying on the farm as an employer, and some things he has in place to help manage it.  If you would like your own farm safety audit done contact the Make Our F...

In this episode Dr David Lester talks to us about all things skin related. He shares his knowledge on checking our skin and what we need to look out for. He also discusses skin cancer, sun protection and the importance of vitamin D.  You can book an appointment with Dr David Lester at Australian Skin Face Body in Horsham at 03 5382 0897. You can also find more information about Australian Skin Fac...

In this episode we hear from Corinne Heintze, a farmer and Yarriambiack councillor. She shares what keeps her happy and healthy, and her tips for others to do the same. She also talks about her spirituality and how she takes part in her community, and why. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Throughout the episode Corinne talks about some of her important relationships. She also talks ab...