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Publish date: 27 June 2024
It’s a very concerning statistic: 1 in 10 farmers dies by suicide each week.
Those who attended the special screening of the film, “Just A Farmer”, recently at The Rex Theatre, at Charlton, were drawn into the storyline themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable spirit of a farming community facing adversity head-on.
The film exposed the impacts of generational trauma through the gripping story of Alison, set in rural Australia, as she finds herself thrust into the role of managing a financially strained farm and navigating the challenges of an alcoholic father-in-law.
The event aimed to remind ourselves of the ongoing support and solidarity needed by our agricultural community.
This urgency was mirrored by the community's response, with the event selling out within a week, in fact it was oversubscribed with 213 seats filled, underscoring the critical need for such initiatives.
Attendees enjoyed not only a compelling film set against the backdrop of rural Australia but also the robust support provided by health partners: clinicians and psychological first aid experts from East Wimmera Health Service, Mallee Family Care, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Buloke Shire Council, Red Cross and Headspace were present.
Additionally, the Buloke Neighbourhood Houses, The Rex Theatre, and local catering services contributed significantly to executing the event's success.
Attendees travelled from across the region, utilising coordinated courtesy car and bus services offered at Birchip, Berriwillock, Charlton, Culgoa, Donald, Nandaly, Nullawil and Sea Lake, to meet at the Charlton Rex Theatre for an unforgettable night.
This community-focused event was made possible thanks to the generous funding from the Australian and Victorian Government's Community Recovery Hubs Program.
Mallee Family Care's Flood Recovery Support Program offers free assistance, guidance and referral to help people experiencing challenges or concerns following past flood and storm events in Buloke. Please reach out if you need support by phoning: 5032 4479, or email disastersupport@malleefamilycare.com.au.
For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au
Photo 1: Pictured (L-R) Jenny and Allan McGillivray from Red Cross and Emily Noonan from East Wimmera Health Service.
Photo 2: Pictured (L-R) (front) Charmayne Delaney, Les Mullings, (back) Christine and Robert Burfitt.