Tackling conversations

THE tough conversations were tackled last Thursday at the Loddon Plains Landcare Network Farming Community get-together.

With guest speakers were Jeremy Forbes of HALT (Hope assisted Local Tradies) and The Unbreakable Farmer Warren Davies.

Jeremy, or Jez as most people call him, started the evening by sharing his experiences relating to the financial and emotional stresses associated with men, women, and their mental health.

Mr Forbes highlighted the importance of “starting the conversation” with friends, family and acquaintances that you feel may be struggling or going through a “rough patch”.

It’s not easy to start a conversation, but it’s important to make a connection.

“Warren spoke with much compassion to his fellow farmers and gave us a lot to think about as he heartfully told his story” said network’s Gus Gould.

Warren spoke about his life story and the challenges he has faced including the trials and tribulations of rural life and the resilience that is shown by many farmers, his message was simple but effective during what has been a difficult time.

The evening also had many local and statewide organisations including the Rural Financial

Counselling service, Inglewood and Districts Health service, Loddon Shire Council flood recovery team and Agriculture Victoria.

A barbeque was provided by the Inglewood Lions Club.

“The music was great, the food was really delicious as always, Jeremy spellbound everyone with his talk on mental health and suicide.” network member Charlie Emich. The event had Cameron Mason playing live Country music to excite the crowd and keep spirits up.

“It was great to see so many local organisations and community groups involved in the evening and it was great to have so many farmers in one room to talk about important mental health challenges facing our community” said network facilitator Will Sanson.

The event provided a way for isolated farmers to access men-

Farming Equipment, Workshop, Vintage Clearing Sale

Saturday 1 April 2023

At 10 Am

“Ivanhoe” 206 Lester Smith Road, Meering West Vic. A/c A G & H M Rothacker

Plant & Equipment: CASE Maxxum 5150 Tractor, 6,481 Hrs, JNR F.E.L, 4 in 1 bucket, hay forks, platform to suit, pallet fork, 250kg cap. wood cage; IH 574 HYDRO Tractor, 5277 Hrs, belt pulley; round bale roller; Ballarat 12’x6’ tandem trailer, stock crate; 10’x5’ tandem trailer; Honda TRX420FPA 4x4 motor bike, just serviced; Miller Falls 30T log splitter; range of 3pl equipment, large compliment of workshop tools, parts, cabinets, nuts and bolts; 400 pack new steel posts; qty fencing materials and much more.

Vintage: Inter C-1500 Fire Truck, 27,433 original miles; Blacksmith’s Forge & Buffalo Blower; qty of blacksmith’s tools; large anvil and fittings; Servex air compressor, power hacksaw, press drill; Clisby air compressor; oil bottles and carriers and much more.

Terms: No GST. Buyer registration, photo ID required. Extensive sale list on Elders website and Facebook.

Directions: Take Kerang-Boort Road, 26 kms from Kerang or 25 kms from Boort. Take Meering West Road for 5 kms. Left onto Lester Smith Road. Sale 2 kms on right. Signs erected on the day. Catering available.

Vendor: Allan 0427 557 259

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/meeringwest

Elders Web ID: CS001172