THE National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) has welcomed $900,000 in funding from the Victorian Government as part of the state's budget announcements.

The funding boost comes at a time of unprecedented pressures, according to the NCFH, which added that the investment will ensure farmers can continue to access the NCFH's evidence-based programs, services and resources to support their health, wellbeing and safety.

"The current challenges facing our farmers are unlike anything we have seen before. The effects of rising input costs, fuel shortages, volatile markets and an ever-changing climate are compounded at the farm gate and our farmers are feeling it," NCFH director, Dr Alison Kennedy said. 

"The Victorian Government's commitment of $900,000 in funding shows that they see our farmers, and they are committed to investing in the health, wellbeing and safety of the people who produce our nation's food and fibre. We are very grateful for the continuation of this decades-long support."

The NCFH is a partnership between Western District Health Service and Deakin University. Since 2008 it has worked with primary producers, agriculture industry members, researchers, health services and all levels of government to develop and delivera range of programs and resources, including: 

• Health and lifestyle assessments where farmers can get a free health check at industry field days and events – bringing medical professionals directly to them 
• The national Shifting Gears farm safety education program for high schools, including a new module on hearing health 
• Farmer-focused resources to support their mental health and wellbeing, including the online Support Hub and Managing Stress on the Farm booklet – resources which have been increasingly accessed by farmers in recent months. 

"We see first-hand how our services and programs have long-lasting impacts on the lives of farmers, their families and communities," Dr Kennedy said.  

"Around 20 years ago, sheep farmers Tony and Angela Kealy took part in our Sustainable Farm Families program after encouragement from a farm consultant. What started as a health check became a long-term shift in how they approach wellbeing – they not only transformed their own habits which continue today, but they inspired their children to do the same."

BETTER REACH

Government funding assists in the operation of the Centre and supports the delivery of programs and services to Victorian farmers. Building on this, the NCFH is active in securing additional funding and grants for health projects and research from around Australia – enabling them to reach more farmers nationally and deliver innovative longer-term projects.

The NCFH also recently hosted a Partnering for Impact: Industry Showcase which brought together partners, sponsors and industry leaders to celebrate collaborative achievements that are driving long-term change, and discuss the opportunities to further strengthen farming communities across Australia.  

"We are committed to long-term collaborations with partners who share our dedication to improving outcomes for farmers and their families. This ongoing support not only guarantees a continuation of our research into the health needs and priorities in rural Australia, but also ensures we can scale-up our programs to reach more farming communities," Dr Kennedy said. 

"Government funding, corporate and philanthropic partnerships, in-kind support and other collaborations are all crucial to the future of the NCFH and there are many ways to partner with us to achieve on-the-ground impact." 

For more information or to find out how to support the NCFH, visit www.farmerhealth.org.au