Preparing our people for natural disaster mental health management

Overall Objective

The aim of this project is to provide young agricultural professionals working in rural areas with the
necessary skills to effectively communicate and support farmers who are experiencing high levels of
situational stress, in the aftermath of natural disasters or major weather events.

The approach is to put 400 client facing agricultural professionals (Grower Group staff, Agri Bankers,
Agronomists, Stock Agents, Ag Chem store staff) through a half day course to provide individuals with
the basic skills and structure to enable them to provide immediate mental health support to clients.
It would enable young agricultural professionals to feel better equipped to have difficult
conversations with clients; allow them to recognise when someone needs professional assistance
and how to effectively refer the client to a professional counsellor or other resource (including
medical professionals).

This course will be designed specifically for the target market and would also provide the participants
with skills to compartmentalise these conversations without taking the stress on as their own,
improving resilience.

Project Synopsis

Over the past two years, the AgriBalance Project has equipped more than 200 agribusiness professionals across Western Australia with vital skills in mental health management and suicide prevention.

Funded by COGGO and delivered by Farmanco in partnership with Holyoake, the program was designed specifically for client-facing professionals in the agricultural sector. Drawing on Farmanco’s experience supporting farmers through periods of high situational stress, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters and major weather events, the training addressed the challenges faced by consultants who often feel ill-equipped to say the right thing and can carry the weight of their client’s stress while working in isolated rural areas.

The program aimed to build confidence and competence in recognising psychological distress, communicating effectively with clients under pressure, and providing referral pathways to appropriate support services. Participants also learned strategies to debrief after critical incidents and compartmentalise difficult conversations — skills essential for reducing the negative mental health impacts of poor seasons, natural disasters, and industry reforms.

Across the WA Wheatbelt and South Coast, the AgriBalance team delivered 22 workshops, including two pilots and two online sessions to ensure accessibility for those in remote areas. Expert facilitation was provided by Jo Drayton, Wheatbelt Suicide Prevention Coordinator with Holyoake.