“In addition to that, there may also be some hesitancy to engage with people that might have an office on their main street, because they don’t want that visibility of all of the town seeing them and then becoming that piece of conversation which looks very different than for those that live in metropolitan areas. “There’s a huge opportunity for us to better support regional and remote communities, and particularly farmers, with understanding how digital health programs and telehealth can be accessed and really enhance their ability to get that help and support that would be so valuable, but I think that that can feel a bit impersonal and foreign if you haven’t had those experiences in the past. “Actively trying to build some of that comfort is really important, and I think that’s a role that we as an industry can - and should - take on.” Having the right safety nets in place Ultimately, farming is more stressful and challenging than many other occupations. As a broker, you provide a significant amount of support, whether you realise it or not.
Richards says that while brokers are not expected to be mental health professionals, they are often part of the broader support network around a farming business. “In regional communities, the broker is often one of the regular professional touchpoints a farmer has,” he says. “You’re not there to solve personal challenges, but you can notice when someone’s under pressure and encourage them to access the right support.” He points to initiatives such as Fat Farmers and Active Farmers, which focus on building connection and wellbeing within rural communities, as examples of practical, grassroots support that can make a meaningful difference.
“Sometimes it’s about helping people feel less isolated,” he says. “Connection matters.”
By being a trusted adviser and an advocate, you can help relieve some of that stress and burden, and help your clients feel confident that, whether the challenge is operational, financial or personal, they are not navigating it alone.
Service
Information
TIACS
TIACS provides free and confidential phone and text counselling services to the farming and agricultural industry and their families. To access support services call or text 0488 846 988 Monday to Friday between 8:00am to 10:00pm (AEST) or visit their website, tiacs.org ifarmwell provides access to a free, digital toolkit providing education modules, tipsheets, and practical mental wellbeing strategies customised for the experiences and needs of farmers: ifarmwell.com.au LifeLine provides 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services via phone, text or live chat. To access crisis support at any time call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or visit their website, lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue provides a range of services to support mental wellbeing and provide assistance for mental ill health, including free and confidential counselling, apps-based support, and a wide range of information and digital tools. ≈To access support services at any time call 1300 22 4636 or visit their website to access a range of other tools, programs and information beyondblue.org.au
ifarmwell
LifeLine
Beyond Blue
15 A NIBA Brokers’ Guide: to farming the future
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