A COMMUNITY screening of the award-winning Australian film Just a Farmer will take place this Sunday at 2pm at the Swan Hill Town Hall.
Presented by Mallee Family Care, the free event aims to shine a spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by rural families, and to create a safe, welcoming space for open conversation.
“This is the third screening we’ve supported,” Mallee Family Care manager community services Corrina Graham said.
“At first, it was part of our flood recovery efforts, but we quickly realised the film’s message resonates far beyond that.
“It’s about rural mental health more broadly, and it’s something we want to keep talking about.”
Just a Farmer, written and produced by Tatyoon farmer Leila McDougall, tells the story of Alison, a recently widowed mother trying to juggle grief, the demands of a struggling farm, and caring for her alcoholic father-in-law.
McDougall and her husband Sean co-produced the film and also founded Mellow in the Yellow, an annual fundraiser for rural mental health.
Sunday’s screening is part of a broader regional effort to encourage open conversations and reduce stigma around mental health, particularly among farming families, who often face mounting stress, isolation, and economic uncertainty.
“When we showed the film in other towns, people really responded,” Ms Graham said.
“After the screening, they stayed back, they talked.
“People opened up about how they were going, what they were dealing with.
“It gave them permission, in a way, to be honest.”
In addition to the film, representatives from local mental health, financial counselling, legal and other regional support services will be on hand with information.
Attendees are welcome to connect with professionals for a chat or simply learn more about the help that’s available.
“Its important people know where to turn, not just for themselves, but for their friends and family too,” Ms Graham said.
“If we can keep these conversations going, maybe we can help someone take that first step toward getting support.”
A 2023 report commissioned by Norco, a farmer-owned dairy co-operative, in partnership with the National Farmers Federation found that 30 per cent of those surveyed reported a decline in mental health over the past few years.
More than half of respondents indicated not wanting to burden family, or friends by speaking about these issues, or otherwise reported not feeling comfortable discussing them.
The Department of Health and Aged Care data shows that on average, one farmer in Australia has passed from suicide every 10 days.
The screening is supported by Swan Hill Rural City Council, the Australian Government, and the Victorian State Government.
It will be followed by a free afternoon tea, offering an opportunity for the community to come together, talk, and reflect.
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline: 13 11 14, Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline: on 1800 551 800.
Event details:
When: 2pm, Sunday, June 15
Where: Swan Hill Town Hall
Cost: Free | Register: swanhilltownhall.com
Length: 1hr 45mins with afternoon tea afterwards
Rated: M
