TWO rural health organisations - Active Farmers and Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative - have announced they are joining forces.
The partnership combines the two group's shared passion and purpose to improve the health and wellbeing of rural communities across Australia.
For more than a decade, both organisations have worked to support regional Australians through physical activity, connection, and proactive health initiatives.
"When two organisations share the same purpose - to improve the health and wellbeing of rural communities - joining forces just makes sense," said Ginny Stevens, Founder of Active Farmers. "This is a positive step forward that will allow us to expand, evolve, and continue to strengthen the health and resilience of rural Australia."
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The integration of Active Farmers into the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative will see Active Farmers continue as the face of its local programs. With more than 42 Active Farmers groups and 40 Fat Farmers groups already running nationwide, the integration enables greater reach, stronger outcomes, and new opportunities for collaboration.
"This partnership is about amplifying what's already working," said Richard Sheppy, chief executive officer of the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative.
"Together we can build on each other's strengths to reach even more people and continue fostering health, connection, and resilience in farming and rural communities across Australia," Sheppy said.
The Active Farmers brand, classes, and community focus will remain unchanged, ensuring the same local support and connection communities know and trust.
PARTNER SUPPORT
Gerard Hines, CEO of Delta Agribusiness Group and Founding Partner of Active Farmers, congratulated both organisations. He said: "I'd like to sincerely thank Ginny, her board and everyone who's contributed to Active Farmers since its inception. As the foundation sponsor, Delta Agribusiness, and many of our supply partners, proudly supported Active Farmers since the beginning and have had the privilege of working with so many great people that deeply care about our regional and remote communities' mental health and wellbeing.
"This transition makes strategic sense, combining resources will take this critical community support to the next level. We're proud to continue our support and partnership moving forward."
Sheppy is a passionate advocate for rural health and wellbeing. Under his leadership, the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative has grown from a grassroots movement into a national organisation promoting physical activity, social connection, and improved health outcomes in farming communities.
"The challenges facing rural communities and the gap between services available to those in metropolitan areas continue to grow," he said.
"Our mission is to inspire and encourage rural communities to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity. Our vision is to break down the barriers, overcome stigma and facilitate access to health screening and education through collaboration. A strong grassroots community will be the foundation on which we build."
Active Farmers national network manager, Boyd Rae, said he was thrilled to see the two purpose-driven organisations unite.
"By combining our strengths, streamlining resources, and energising the team, we have a clear path to deliver an even greater impact for rural Australians."
For more details, visit: www.fatfarmers.com or https://activefarmers.com.au
