ZOETIS is once again partnering with Beyond Blue to support the wellbeing of Australian farming and regional communities, with the aim of reaching a one-million-dollar milestone by the end of the year. 

The animal health company has donated $100,000 annually to Beyond Blue since 2016, with the $900,000 raised to date helping to fund mental health support services for people living outside major cities. With 2025 marking the tenth year of  the partnership, Zoetis is aiming to reach the one-million-dollar total, by once again donating five dollars from each sale of its livestock, pig, poultry and companion animal vaccines, and parasiticide products, up to $100,000. 

Zoetis business unit director – livestock, Fred Schwenke, said the campaign reflects the need for a long-term approach to addressing mental health in regional areas. 

"Supporting rural Australia on its long journey to better mental health is not a quick fix - it's a sustained and compassionate effort," he said.

"We know farmers and rural communities are strong, but they're not invincible. 

"Improving mental health outcomes requires more than just awareness; it needs consistent, meaningful action and unwavering, long-term support. That's why, ten years on, Zoetis remains firmly committed to its partnership with Beyond Blue."

RURAL AUSTRALIA'S UNIQUE CHALLENGES

The company highlighted some of the unique challenges Australian's living outside of major cities face, which include the greater barriers to getting help, as access to services can be limited by distance, cost, poor connectivity, or concerns about privacy and stigma.

It said farming communities are under pressure, dealing with everything from natural disasters and economic instability to the emotional toll of isolation, with the situation is compounded by a reluctance to speak up. 

New South Wales farmer from Corowa Derek Schoen, who is also a board member of Beyond Blue, said rural Australians need support that recognises the realities of life on the land. 

"Rural Australians are more vulnerable due to their geographical isolation, often demanding work conditions, and limited access to support," Schoen said. 

"Natural disasters, like the recent floods in NSW, also add to the enormous toll on our mental health. This could mean watching a life's work destroyed overnight, facing the immense task of rebuilding infrastructure and restocking, or struggling to feed livestock we have been lucky enough to save." 

"Our farmers are some of the most resilient people in the country, but we still need to ask for help. This campaign is about ensuring that help is there when and where people need it." 

Beyond Blue reported over 276,000 people reached out to its support service via phone or webchat over the past year alone. The free and confidential service, provides 24/7 access to experienced counsellors, offering support when it's needed most. 

A MOMENT OF COURAGE

Beyond Blue CEO, Georgie Harman, said each contact is "a moment of courage". 

"When someone in rural Australia picks up the phone or jumps online to talk to Beyond Blue, it's often the first step in turning things around," Harman said. 

"It takes strength to reach out for support, but getting help early can ease distress and stop issues from escalating." 

Harman said the partnership with Zoetis is vital for Beyond Blue – making that step possible for more people.  

"To date, funds donated by Zoetis have helped over 17,000 people across rural and regional Australia access mental health support through our Support Service," she said. 

Beyond Blue said most people who contact the service report an improvement in their wellbeing, with 76 per cent saying they felt less distressed after making contact. It added 85 per cent said they received the information they were seeking, and 83 per cent felt heard and understood.

MORE INFORMATION 

Between 15 July and 31 October 2025, Australians can support the Zoetis and Beyond Blue initiative by purchasing eligible Zoetis livestock, pig, poultry, and companion animal vaccines or parasiticide animal health products. 

To learn more or find out how to support the campaign, visit: www.zoetis.com.au

If you or someone you know needs support, the Beyond Blue Support Service offers free and immediate counselling, advice and referrals via phone, webchat or email. To talk to a mental health professional for free, contact the 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 46 36. The Free web chat is also available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat and you can join the Online forums for free.