A workshop aimed at sustaining the most important aspect of an Australian farm will be held in Wycheproof in July.
The ‘Sustainable Farm Families’ project turns attention to the humans who run a farm and has been designed to explore links between farm family health and wellbeing, farm related accidents and farm sustainability.
It is delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Justice, Transport and Resources, East Wimmera Health Service and the Birchip Cropping Group.
The Victorian Government has funded the National Centre for Farmer Health to deliver 20 Sustainable Farm Families™ programs to drought impacted farming communities.
Victorian farm families who have been affected by the state’s devastating drought are encouraged to take a positive step towards their health by participating in the Sustainable Farm Families™ program.
Better Health
The award winning program is broken into two or three workshops. During the first two-day workshop fasting glucose and cholesterol levels are measured and you also receive an eyesight check, body mass measurements, blood pressure and respiratory tests. Results are discussed one on one with a health professional and referrals for follow-up appointments arranged. There are also group discussions on a range of health, wellbeing and safety issues of interest to farming families.
Better Understanding
During the program health and wellbeing topics covered include cardiovascular disease, cancer, stress, women and men’s health issues, nutrition, physical activity, anxiety and depression as well as farm safety. The information is presented in a practical way and involves explanation on what it means for your health.
Better Business
The most important thing for farming men and women is that the Sustainable Farm Families™ program is designed to enhance your farming business.
what farmers have said
This isn’t the first time the program has been delivered in the region. It was presented at Birchip 15 years ago and attendee, Robyn Ferrier, says the event was well worth the two days off the farm.
“It really made us look at ourselves and our wellbeing” she said.
“It is a very good program to attend and today I still implement some of the things I learned”.
wycheproof workshop
A two-day Sustainable Farm Families TM workshop will be help at the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on July 28 and 29.
The workshop is free and open to farming families across the region. Family members are urged to attend as a group to get the most benefit and places are limited.
For bookings contact Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on (03) 5493 7455 and to find out more contact Louisa Ferrier (BCG) on 0438 854 241 or Tracey Myers (03) 5477 2193.
For more information on this successful program and farmer health-resources regarding farmer health visit the National Centre for Farmer Health website.
