Farmer Wants a Healthy Life

In this episode Daniel 'Bully' Keam shares why he is part of the Active Farmers Group lead by Justin Knorpp. He talks about why he joined the group and the benefits of it, with exercise being just one  part of the story. He also talks about other changes to his lifestyle since joining the group. Live in or near Warracknabeal and want to join Justin's Active Farmers group? You can fi...

In this episode John Darcy tells us what he does as part of the Make Our Farms Safer project. He shares what to expect from a Farm Safety Consult (free for Victorian farmers). He also shares information about other services (see full list below) the project provides.  You can reach the Make Our Farms Safer team at 1300 882 833, to book an audit with John.  Interested in the topic and looking for m...

In this episode we hear from Arnold and Colleen Bond about Arnold’s experience of having heart attacks. He shares how ticking a box on a form lead to lifesaving surgery. They also talk about what they have realised about farmer lifestyles and how it can impact the heart.  If you think there is a possibility you are experiencing a heart attack call 000. Interested in the topic and looking for more?...

In this episode we hear from Robyn Kelm, a nurse turned hairdresser / makeshift counsellor. She shares what she has learnt about mental health and how to help someone who is struggling. She also talks about mental health stigma and how that can impact on people. Interested in the topic and looking for more? If you are concerned about someone and not sure how to start a conversation R U OK? can hel...

In this episode we hear from Justin Knorrp about  how he is helping farmers to be more active in Warracknabeal. He shares what made him want to start the Active Farmers group, who comes to the group and what they get from it. He also talks about what led him to the Wimmera and the need for down time in our busy lives. Live in or near Warracknabeal and want to join Justin's Active Farmers grou...

In this special edition episode of Farmer Wants a Healthy Life we hear from Dr Rob Grenfell. The ex- Natimuk GP and CSIRO Director, and current public health expert talks all things COVID. He shares his knowledge on COVID vs the flu, long COVID, the different variants, vaccines and much, much more.  Hear how masks can make you like your favourite superhero and how your town could win the COVID Cup...

In this episode ex-farmer Brian Nagorcka shares his story of having prostate cancer.  He discusses what made him get tested and what has happened since. He also talks about the benefits of talking to others who experience prostate cancer and how the support group he runs helps. To get in touch with the support group go to Prostate Cancer Foundation . Interested in the topic and looking for more? L...

In this episode we hear from Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Mandy Johns. She shares her knowledge on things that increase the risk of this cancer, and how to test for it. She also shares her tale of getting into this role. You can reach the Wimmera Cancer Centre at 5381 9169 or wimmeracancercentre@whcg.org.au . Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking for some more information about...

In this episode Gurjit Sondhu shares her story of her husband’s suicide and what hindsight made her realise. She also shares her experience of coming to farming life for the first time and life as a farmer’s wife. Contact Suicide Line Victoria: 24/7 phone: 1300 651 251 Online or Video chat     If you or someone you know needs urgent help contact Lifeline: Phone: 13 11 14  Website: www.lifeline.org...

In this episode Mal Coutts shares how he went from footy coach to a Rural Outreach Worker, and what he does in that role. He shares his insights into farmer mental health, challenges of the farming life, and how he can help. You can reach the Rural Outreach Program (Mal or one of the other M's) at 1300 688 732. Or find more information at https://ruraloutreach.org.au Interested in the topic a...

In this episode local farmer Glen Burke shares his journey with Ross River Fever. He talks about what it was like at its worst and how it still affects him physically. He also discusses how having Ross River affected other parts of his life, including the impact on his family. Interested in the topic and looking for more? Looking for some more information about Ross River Fever? Check out the Bett...

In this episode we hear from ex-Natimuk GP and current CSIRO Director Dr Rob Grenfell. He shares his knowledge on diseases we can get from wild animals, as well as the domestic stock farmers deal with. He also talks about some ways you can protect yourself from these illnesses. Interested in the topic and looking for more?   Check out these fact sheets on Handling Livestock and Animals and Disease...

In this episode we hear from Dr Alison Kennedy from the National Centre for Farmer Health. Alison shares some tips for things you can do every day to help your mental health on the farm. She also tells us about some of the things that can happen when you don’t look after your mental health. Interested in the topic and looking for more? The National Centre for Farmer Health has advice for specific...

In this episode Ex-AFL star John 'Jumbo' Sudholz shares his struggle with depression on returning to the farm.  He shares the hard times he faced, and how he has learned to live with depression. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of suicide call triple (000).    Contact Suicide Line Victoria: 24/7 phone number: 1300 651 251 Online or Video chat     If you or someone you kn...