Grain Producers SA (GPSA) initiated and coordinated a statewide Mental Health Roundtable to address mental health challenges arising from the drought in regional South Australia.
The roundtable, held in Adelaide last month, brought together key mental health professionals, regional support organisations and agricultural leaders to identify existing services, current gaps and future mental health and wellbeing needs of farmers.
GPSA chairperson John Gladigau, who chaired the roundtable, said the collaborative discussion was an important step toward ensuring regional communities are better supported.
“Grain Producers SA recognises that mental health is as vital as physical safety when it comes to supporting South Australian farmers,” he said.
“We were pleased to bring together representatives from across the agriculture sector, psychology and rural health to share what’s working, identify where the gaps are, and importantly, talk about what support is needed over the next six to 12 months.”
Representatives from GPSA, Rural Business Support, ifarmwell, Primary Producers SA, Livestock SA, PIRSA, SA Health, Rural Aid, Mentally Fit EP, Farm Life Psych, the National Centre for Farmer Health, Fat Farmers and more, contributed to the conversation, with a focus on coordinating services.
“There was strong agreement around the importance of investing in programs that have already proven to work on the ground and other community-driven initiatives,” Mr Gladigau said.
“But we also heard loud and clear that as drought persists, the need for practical, farmer-led support and early intervention services will only grow.
“This roundtable was about more than just talking. It was about ensuring that what’s being fed into government – including the Minister’s Drought Advisory Committee – reflects the real needs and lived experience of South Australian farmers.”
