National Centre for Farmer Health

18/06/2026

This Men’s Health Week, National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) Farmer Health Clinician Jess Fletcher is highlighting the importance of preventative health and encouraging men to take proactive steps in managing their health and wellbeing.

A key focus is on symptoms men often ignore – those subtle or ongoing changes that are easy to overlook but may be early signs that something is not quite right. Early attention can make a real difference to long-term health outcomes.

Jess says, “Men often put their health last, but small changes can make a big difference. Taking time to check in on your health is a strong and positive step.”

Jess also encourages men to take advantage of free services available, such as our free Health and Lifestyle Assessments (HLA). All appointments are confidential, farmer focused and held in a clinic environment. You'll leave feeling reassured that you have taken a positive step toward taking control of your health and wellbeing.

To access a free health check or learn more about available services, contact us on 03 5551 8533 or visit farmerhealth.org.au

Don't ignore the symptoms – your health matters.

16/06/2026

Have you heard of Q fever?

Q fever is an infectious bacterial disease that can spread from infected animals (primarily cows, goats, sheep) to humans through direct and indirect contact, such as dust or contaminated animal products, animal urine or faeces, or milk.

Q fever symptoms can vary – with some people experiencing severe flu-like symptoms and long-lasting, debilitating impacts of chronic Q fever.

Q fever vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Q fever in the workplace and reduce the risk of exposure to farmers and farm workers. You only need to be vaccinated once for long term protection against Q fever. Two appointments, one week apart, are required for testing and vaccination.

If you’re a dairy farmer in the Gippsland, Murray and Western Victorian dairying regions you can sign up for a subsidised Q fever vaccination clinic.

Check out the available appointment dates and locations 👉 https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/news-repository/2026/01/15/preventing-q-fever-on-farm -now

Learn more about Q fever in our fact sheet: https://farmerhealth.org.au/q-fever/

15/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – a reminder that every older person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and care.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial, emotional, physical and social abuse, and too often it goes unnoticed. By raising awareness and having conversations, we can all play a part in preventing abuse and creating communities where older people feel safe, valued and supported.

As an organisation whose charitable purpose is to support vulnerable women, children and families, the CWA of Victoria recognises the importance of protecting and advocating for older people in our communities. Older women can be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ageism and gender inequality, making it essential that their voices, experiences and contributions continue to be recognised and respected.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing, elder abuse, help is available. Contact the free Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 368 821 (Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm).

Learn more about recognising elder abuse and where to seek support:
https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/services-information/elder-abuse-what-it-is

Together, we can help build a Victoria where older people are respected, included and valued.

15/06/2026

15/06/2026

The Look Over the Farm Gate program has been extended, to support more community-led events that help farming communities organise events and activities to support mental health and wellbeing and bring people together.

💡Key Details:
👉Applications for this round has been extended until funding has been fully allocated.
📅All funded activities must be delivered by 30 September 2026.
🎉 You can apply for funding ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per event
📝 Apply now: https://farmerhealth.org.au/look-over-the-farm-gate/

The Look over the Farm Gate program is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Agriculture Victoria National Centre for Farmer Health

🤩 Look Over the Farm Gate grants are now open for new applications!

Support from community is an important part of getting back on track for farmers and farming families in drought and bushfire recovery 🫶

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.

Look Over the Farm Gate is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Find out more in the comments 👇

11/06/2026

✍ Chronic pain research for farming communities – participants needed!

The National Centre for Farmer Health and Deakin University are inviting Victorian farmers, agricultural workers, and farming family members to take part in a short online survey exploring chronic pain, pain management, and barriers to accessing care.

Chronic pain is common in farming communities, yet access to treatment and support can be limited. This research aims to better understand these challenges and help improve rural pain support services.

The survey takes approximately 5–8 minutes and is anonymous. Participants will be asked to share experiences relating to chronic pain and treatment access, with optional consent to link responses with previous NCFH Health and Lifestyle Assessment information.

Survey open: 14 May – 30 June

👉 Take part here: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_6EedjejTZzD8S0K

11/06/2026

👏👏 Great news for rural Victorian communities!

The Look Over the Farm Gate program has been extended, with an exciting boost of additional funding to support more community-led events as well as more time to deliver meaningful events that bring people together and strengthen connections.

✍ Applications are still open
📅 You now have until 30 September 2026 to host your event
🖱 The online application form is live again

Whether it’s a catch-up, workshop, or local gathering, now is the perfect time to bring your local community together.

Apply now: https://farmerhealth.org.au/look-over-the-farm-gate/

Agriculture Victoria

📸 Day in the Hills (Cam Matheson), Pure Empowerment Meet, Eat and Put Your Feet Up Ladies Night (Maggie Vogel), Working dogs clinic (Leah Bailey), Farmers vs. vets lawn bowls challenge (Valley Farmers Management Committee).

11/06/2026

📣The National Disability Insurance Agency and DEAFNESS FORUM Australia are gathering feedback on how d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people access and understand information about NDIS rules and updates.

They want to hear about your experiences so they can improve how information is communicated.

Your lived experience can help improve accessibility and communication for the community. Access the survey below 👇and please share with your networks.

NDIS ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

Calling all d/Deaf & Hard of hearing NDIS participants and carers!

The National Disability Insurance Agency (the NDIA) has asked Deafness Forum Australia to tell them how d/Deaf and Hard of hearing people find, understand and use information about NDIS rules and changes. 🤔⁉️

We want to understand your experience so we can push for better communication from the NDIS. 👊

Here’s what we want to know from you:

➡️What type of hearing loss do you have?
➡️Where do you usually get your information about NDIS rules and changes?
➡️Do you feel confident that this information is correct?
➡️Do you have any challenges getting access to information about the NDIS when you need it?
➡️Is there anything the NDIA can do to communicate better with people who are D/deaf or have hearing loss?

There are three ways you can let us know your thoughts👇

☑️You can respond to the questions in the chat below (you don’t need to answer all of them; you can just choose one or two if you want)

☑️You can email Lauren Patrick directly: [email protected]

☑️You can do our short survey here
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VZN285V

Your lived experience matters!

The more people who share their experiences, the stronger our push for real change.

11/06/2026

Do you know someone who has a great story to share on the FatherLand Podcast? 🎙️Get in touch with Steph and the team at Motherland 👇

Father Land Season 2 is coming in 2026, and guest nominations are now open!

After the raw, powerful honesty of Season 1, where rural men and farmers shared their stories in ways they never had before...we can’t wait to bring you more.

Season 1 was a turning point (over 26,000 downloads) and it gave rural dads a platform to be heard like never before and to break down stigmas around mental health.

So do you know a rural dad who's willing to share his story? Perhaps it's your husband, your brother, dad or mate?

Nominate him today via the Contact page on our website: https://motherlandaustralia.com.au/contact/

Production is starting soon!

Steph x

10/06/2026

🚨Farmer health scholarship applications closing soon!

There's only a couple of weeks left to apply for a limited number of half-scholarships to study HMF702: Healthy and Sustainable Agriculture Communities in Trimester 2 (Jul-Oct) 2026.

This online Deakin University postgraduate unit provides rural professionals with the knowledge and skills to drive meaningful, place-based change.

If you work in health, agriculture, policy, education, or community services – and are passionate about strengthening the wellbeing of farming communities – this opportunity is for you.

Apply before 25 June at www.farmerhealth.org.au/scholarships

For more information please contact Dr Jacquie Cotton [email protected]