Vol. No. Vol. 2618No. 4927
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Wednesday, January 13, 2024 2016 Wednesday, June 19,
COLOURFUL: Ararat Regional Theatre Society, ARTS, will stage its inaugural production, the globally-popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, across the next two weekends. Join Scott Rigby as Joseph and the cast at Ararat Town Hall from Friday. Story, more pictures, page 23. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Help at hand BY LAUREN HENRY
W OFFICIAL PROGRAM INSIDE 20-PAGE LIFT-OUT
elfare agencies are encouraging farmers to seek help for their mental health amid the effects of the driest Wimmera autumn in 16 years.
Dry conditions have forced farmers to buy feed for stock for months on end, causing higher workloads, anxiety and stress. Low rain totals are particularly evident across the southern Wimmera, with Edenhope’s autumn rain totalling 32.4 millimetres, well below the autumn average of 127.1mm, according to Bureau of Meteorology data.
Following no rain in March, then 17.8mm in April and 14.6mm in May; only 17.4mm has been recorded so far in June, which usually averages 66mm. Similarly at Kanagulk, near Balmoral, the autumn rain totalled 31.6mm – none in March, 18.2mm in April and 13.5 in May – whereas the autumn rain average is 99.2mm. June’s total so far is 11.6mm – a long way off the average of 56mm. Horsham has fared marginally better with 65.9mm during autumn – 16mm in March, 30.8mm April and 10.6mm May – less than the autumn average of 89.7.
Rural Outreach worker Murray McInnes spoke at a field day at Nareen, south of Harrow, which attracted more than 400 farmers, in response to widespread burnout and anxiety. “This is a new experience for the younger farmers, so it’s hitting them hardest, and there’s no sign of a real rain break coming,” he said. “Some stress is normal but, if it is dragging on and typical coping strategies aren’t working, it’s time to reach out for help. “The key message is that there are several options available and no one has to endure this alone.”
Mr McInnes is one of three Grampians Health outreach workers delivering free mental health assistance across western Victoria – the trio travel 28,000 square kilometres to meet with people in their homes or paddocks. The non-clinical service aims to prevent serious mental health episodes and, when necessary, help people to navigate the healthcare system. “Studies have shown farmers who regularly take some time for themselves are actually financially better off,” Mr McInnes said. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • Inaugural mental-health round • New Nhill kindergarten • Marklew’s milestone match Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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