Good people caught doing good things on Russian dashboard cams.
Have a great day! xo
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Good people caught doing good things
We concentrate on the bad too much, when all around us good is taking place everyday in the smallest but most significant ways.
Good people caught doing good things on Russian dashboard cams.
Have a great day! xo
Good people caught doing good things on Russian dashboard cams.
Have a great day! xo
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Why isn't farmer health and wellbeing a key policy issue for farm lobby groups?
This is a blog post that's been itching to get out: I'd like to know why farmer health and wellbeing is not a key policy issue for our farm lobby groups?
The primary responsibility of farm lobby groups is to provide a collective voice for their members on issues related to agribusiness and agri-politics, so I understand that these groups advocate on issues related to economics, policy, trade and the environment within the various agricultural sectors: aquaculture, beef, chicken meat, eggs, pig production, cotton, dairy, grains, horticulture, nursery and sugarcane. Yet apart from the NSW Farmers Association who have been leaders in the field, I am not aware of any other group that has taken a front seat in addressing the health and wellbeing of their members. If farm lobby groups wish to secure the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agribusiness sector, then it stands to reason that a healthy rural workforce is required to deliver this.
One of the greatest challenges facing the future of Australia’s primary industries and rural communities is the health and mental health of our farmers. Farmers are getting older and are deemed a high risk population for rural health, with the greatest health problems amongst farmers being related to cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mental stress and suicide. Evidence indicates that the suicide rate among Queensland's agricultural workers - including farmers, farm managers, farm hands and shearers - is over twice the rate of those in other occupations.
Yet when I look at the major farm lobby group websites, not one has the health and wellbeing of farmers listed as a key policy area. While there are some projects related to building resilience in rural communities, particularly following natural disasters, I have to drill down through the websites in order to find this information. (Except for the Queensland Farmers Federation who have information about Industry Recovery Officers front and centre on their homepage.)
Yesterday, I emailed every Industry Recovery Officer in Queensland to encourage them to undertake Mental Health First Aid training so that they can recognise the signs and indicators of someone who might be struggling and be able to point them in the right direction to receive appropriate assistance. The IROs are with the following Industry Groups:
I will be very curious to see the response to my emails. Recently, I tweeted a lobby group in another state asking what steps were being taken to address the health and wellbeing of their members affected by the ban on live export and received no response. Yesterday, I tweeted the Hon. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister Assisting on Queensland Flood Recovery asking him to ensure that as a part of the new Farm Finance Scheme, Rural Financial Counsellors receive Mental Health First Aid training ... no response.
The mental health of farmers in north Queensland, who have been affected by the flow-on effects from Cyclone Yasi, fires, droughts, wild dogs, live exports and the high Australian dollar, is becoming a huge concern and we really shouldn't have to wait for tragedy to occur to take action. Only last week, I wrote a blog post specifically for farmers in West Australia about looking out for their mates ... sadly, I have since learned of three farmer suicides in the past couple of weeks. What is being done by farm lobby groups to address this and work towards suicide prevention? Yes, they can lobby for better economic and regulatory conditions for farmers to work in, but it's a combination of complex factors that leads to poor farmer mental health and the high rate of suicide, therefore a more targeted approach is required.
One naive #agchatoz user dared to suggest to me that this is solely the responsibility of the health sector and not the responsibility of industry representative groups. I was dumbfounded by the ignorance behind this statement. My contention is that if we are to adequately address farmer health and mental health, collaboration is key! It requires industry bodies and health/mental health organisations working together to achieve better health outcomes for farmers. Wild horses are often needed to get farmers to see a doctor, but they will go see their local industry rep. Let's use this to our advantage to break down barriers and bridge the communication gap. It is in the best interests of the entire agricultural sector to have healthy farmers! If animal health and welfare can be a key policy issue, why not farmer health and welfare too?
Let's get working together on this.
The primary responsibility of farm lobby groups is to provide a collective voice for their members on issues related to agribusiness and agri-politics, so I understand that these groups advocate on issues related to economics, policy, trade and the environment within the various agricultural sectors: aquaculture, beef, chicken meat, eggs, pig production, cotton, dairy, grains, horticulture, nursery and sugarcane. Yet apart from the NSW Farmers Association who have been leaders in the field, I am not aware of any other group that has taken a front seat in addressing the health and wellbeing of their members. If farm lobby groups wish to secure the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agribusiness sector, then it stands to reason that a healthy rural workforce is required to deliver this.
One of the greatest challenges facing the future of Australia’s primary industries and rural communities is the health and mental health of our farmers. Farmers are getting older and are deemed a high risk population for rural health, with the greatest health problems amongst farmers being related to cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mental stress and suicide. Evidence indicates that the suicide rate among Queensland's agricultural workers - including farmers, farm managers, farm hands and shearers - is over twice the rate of those in other occupations.
Yet when I look at the major farm lobby group websites, not one has the health and wellbeing of farmers listed as a key policy area. While there are some projects related to building resilience in rural communities, particularly following natural disasters, I have to drill down through the websites in order to find this information. (Except for the Queensland Farmers Federation who have information about Industry Recovery Officers front and centre on their homepage.)
Yesterday, I emailed every Industry Recovery Officer in Queensland to encourage them to undertake Mental Health First Aid training so that they can recognise the signs and indicators of someone who might be struggling and be able to point them in the right direction to receive appropriate assistance. The IROs are with the following Industry Groups:
- AgForce
- CANEGROWERS
- Cotton Australia
- Growcom
- Nursery and Garden Industry Australia
- Queensland Dairfarmers' Organisation
- Queensland Farmers Federation
I will be very curious to see the response to my emails. Recently, I tweeted a lobby group in another state asking what steps were being taken to address the health and wellbeing of their members affected by the ban on live export and received no response. Yesterday, I tweeted the Hon. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister Assisting on Queensland Flood Recovery asking him to ensure that as a part of the new Farm Finance Scheme, Rural Financial Counsellors receive Mental Health First Aid training ... no response.
The mental health of farmers in north Queensland, who have been affected by the flow-on effects from Cyclone Yasi, fires, droughts, wild dogs, live exports and the high Australian dollar, is becoming a huge concern and we really shouldn't have to wait for tragedy to occur to take action. Only last week, I wrote a blog post specifically for farmers in West Australia about looking out for their mates ... sadly, I have since learned of three farmer suicides in the past couple of weeks. What is being done by farm lobby groups to address this and work towards suicide prevention? Yes, they can lobby for better economic and regulatory conditions for farmers to work in, but it's a combination of complex factors that leads to poor farmer mental health and the high rate of suicide, therefore a more targeted approach is required.
One naive #agchatoz user dared to suggest to me that this is solely the responsibility of the health sector and not the responsibility of industry representative groups. I was dumbfounded by the ignorance behind this statement. My contention is that if we are to adequately address farmer health and mental health, collaboration is key! It requires industry bodies and health/mental health organisations working together to achieve better health outcomes for farmers. Wild horses are often needed to get farmers to see a doctor, but they will go see their local industry rep. Let's use this to our advantage to break down barriers and bridge the communication gap. It is in the best interests of the entire agricultural sector to have healthy farmers! If animal health and welfare can be a key policy issue, why not farmer health and welfare too?
Let's get working together on this.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Look out for your mates
West Australian farmers are currently facing the worst conditions since the Great Depression. Resolutions passed at a crisis meeting attended by more than 1000 people in rural Western Australia this week have demanded the Federal Government abandon drought reforms and restore exceptional circumstances assistance provisions to affected farmers. However, WA Premier Colin Barnett has told farmers some need to walk away from their farms and WA's two leading rural lobby groups are poles apart on a relief package to help battling farmers.
Now, more than ever, is the time to look out for your mates!
You need to know what support services are available so you can EMPOWER YOUR MATE TO TAKE CONTROL!
... and visit my blog page "Rural Mental Health Services" for a more comprehensive list of mental health resources for rural Australians.
New research published by beyondblue tells us: in order to encourage men to get help, "instead of using the words ‘help seeking’, it is better to use terms like ‘taking action’ or ‘taking control’. The pathways to getting support need to be clearly spelt out and need to provide specific tasks for men to do, so that men remain in control and have an understanding what is involved in each task."
So, if you're worried about a mate, invite them for a beer and start the conversation. A strong sense of community will get you through this crisis!
Now, more than ever, is the time to look out for your mates!
KEEPING A MATE SAFE (adapted from Rural Alive & Well)
Monitor your mate's behaviour: are they acting differently or strangely? Watch for the warning signs.
Alert: stay watchful. We all have bad days, however if your mate shows warning signs, they may be at risk of depression or suicide.
Talk to your mate. Ask the question: ''ARE YOU OK?'' The only way to check out if they are OK, is to ask!
Engage with your mate. Encourage them to take action, visit a doctor or call a telephone support line. Offer to get them some assistance. It may be all it takes to keep them safe.
You need to know what support services are available so you can EMPOWER YOUR MATE TO TAKE CONTROL!
 |
| The Blokes' Book |
 |
| Rural Men's Support Services |
 |
| The Regional Men's Health Initiative |
 |
| Produced in NSW, this guide still has relevant information for WA farmers |
 |
| 24 HOUR TELEPHONE SERVICES in Western Australia |
... and visit my blog page "Rural Mental Health Services" for a more comprehensive list of mental health resources for rural Australians.
New research published by beyondblue tells us: in order to encourage men to get help, "instead of using the words ‘help seeking’, it is better to use terms like ‘taking action’ or ‘taking control’. The pathways to getting support need to be clearly spelt out and need to provide specific tasks for men to do, so that men remain in control and have an understanding what is involved in each task."
So, if you're worried about a mate, invite them for a beer and start the conversation. A strong sense of community will get you through this crisis!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
How to be a friend to someone who is unwell
As someone who has not long ago been through a lengthy period of ill health (both physically and mentally), I've encountered the entire gambit of responses from others to my illness:- Foot in mouth disease (trying to be helpful but saying the wrong thing)
- The disappearing act (I don't know what to say so I'll just disappear from the scene altogether)
- Angry, ranty pants (you made this happen to yourself and you need to get over it)
- Overly fervent advice givers (I've never had this illness but I know all about it so will tell you exactly what you need to do to get better)
- The true friend (those angels who laugh with you, cry with you, never judge and are still there no matter what)
Monday, March 25, 2013
Allan Savory: How to green the desert and reverse climate change
Highly recommended viewing >> TED Talk by Allan Savory
Click here to view TED Talk
“Desertification is a fancy word for land that is turning to desert,” begins Allan Savory in this quietly powerful talk. And it's happening to about two-thirds of the world’s grasslands, accelerating climate change and causing traditional grazing societies to descend into social chaos. Savory has devoted his life to stopping it. He now believes -- and his work so far shows -- that a surprising factor can protect grasslands and even reclaim degraded land that was once desert.
Click here to view TED Talk
Sunday, March 24, 2013
RIRDC Rural Woman Project
An extraordinary thing happened last week ... I was chosen as Queensland's RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year with a project proposal I put forward aimed at creating better pathways for farmers and fishers to access frontline health and mental health services. I couldn't be more thrilled that the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) has seen the importance of investing in the health and wellbeing of our rural workforce to ensure the future sustainability of Australia's Primary Industries Sector, and have shared an outline of my project below:
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Young Farmers Mobilize For Their Industry #FarmVoices
Absolutely delighted to have been contacted by the FarmOn Foundation (@FarmOn) in Alberta, Canada, to help spread the word about the #FarmVoices movement. Please read details below and help get the message out there:
FarmOn Foundation Press Release
FarmOn Foundation Press Release
Sunday, March 17, 2013
A call out to social media users in rural & remote Australia
On Tuesday, 9th April 2013 I will be presenting a keynote address at the 12th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide during Plenary Session 5: "The People of a Bright Rural Future".
My topic: "Empowering rural communities through social media".
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Reflection
Wow ... what a difference a year makes! This time last year I was on a fast decline to the worst health and mental health crisis of my life, brought on by a change in medication. I honestly did not know just how low it was possible to go until that point. Every single day for months was a mammoth struggle and at times I just wanted to curl up in a little ball and die. But I kept on keeping on in the hope that one day things would get better ... and they did. On Monday, I fly down to Brisbane for an interview for Qld RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year and attend the Award Ceremony at Queensland Parliament House on Tuesday morning. It feels completely and utterly surreal.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Get over the fat stigma people
Just back from my morning walk and I need to say something: Get over the fat stigma people because it's keeping people fat!
I'm fat. I always have been. I was an overweight kid, an overweight teenager and an overweight adult. My parents are fat. May grandfathers were both fat. It runs in the family. But I'm also healthy. I walk for an hour a day, eat a balanced and healthy diet, don't drink alcohol, soft drinks, fruit juices or caffeine, avoid processed foods & refined sugars, don't smoke or take illicit drugs, have low cholesterol, excellent blood pressure, am not diabetic and I most definitely am NOT lazy. Yet when I am out exercising, people still look me up and down with disgust, point at me from their cars and at times even laugh or throw out rude comments - all because I don't fit what our ridiculously superficial society sees as "acceptable to the eye". Well f*** them, because I'm going to keep doing it anyway.
I'm fat. I always have been. I was an overweight kid, an overweight teenager and an overweight adult. My parents are fat. May grandfathers were both fat. It runs in the family. But I'm also healthy. I walk for an hour a day, eat a balanced and healthy diet, don't drink alcohol, soft drinks, fruit juices or caffeine, avoid processed foods & refined sugars, don't smoke or take illicit drugs, have low cholesterol, excellent blood pressure, am not diabetic and I most definitely am NOT lazy. Yet when I am out exercising, people still look me up and down with disgust, point at me from their cars and at times even laugh or throw out rude comments - all because I don't fit what our ridiculously superficial society sees as "acceptable to the eye". Well f*** them, because I'm going to keep doing it anyway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)