Wycheproof farmers recently took part in a workshop designed to improve the health of local farmers and their families.
An award winning program, Sustainable Farm Families™ is an initiative of the National Centre For Farmer Health Hamilton, and is delivered in partnership with Agriculture Victoria and the Drought Support Package, East Wimmera Health Service, Wycheproof Resource Centre and Birchip Cropping Group (BCG).
More than 2400 farmers have participated in the program to date, with 98 per cent of participants recommending it to other farmers.
BCG project manager Louisa Ferrier said the Wycheproof workshop was attended by ten farmers who were first assessed by a local health professional before participating in workshops on cardiovascular disease, farm safety, diabetes, stress, nutrition and men’s and women’s health.
“At the conclusion of the workshop many participants expressed how surprised they were at how much they took away from it and how much it has made them think,” she said.
High-risk participants were referred for follow up with appropriate health professionals and the workshop provided an opportunity for farmers to understand their own health risks, how to manage them and integrate them into farming life.
All of the participants will return to complete another workshop in February 2017, again receiving a health assessment so they can track their health indicators over time.
Trevor Allan attended the workshop and said “it was well worth the two days”.
“I was surprised by how much was packed into the workshop and hope others take up the opportunity if comes up in the region in the future,” he said.
For more information contact the National Centre for Farmer Health on (03) 5551 8533 or visit www.farmerhealth.org.au
