Local farmers and community members came together for a well-deserved break at a free Farmers Day Out event focused on connection, wellbeing and resilience for those living and working on the land.
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The event was supported by a Look Over the Farm Gate Community grant provided by the National Centre for Farmer Health, under the Victorian Government’s 2025 Drought Support Package.
Benalla’s Liz Hayes, part of the organising committee, said farmers could get together while also having an opportunity to watch some local footy: Benalla vs Mansfield.
Farmers Day Out Benalla organising committee Genevieve Gleadow, Anna Toland and Liz Hayes.
“We know that rural life can be incredibly isolating, especially during tough times,” Ms Hayes said.
“This day is about reminding our farmers they’re not alone, and that there is strength in sharing stories and leaning on each other.”
Held on August 23, Farmers Day Out offered a relaxed and welcoming space for conversation, support and shared experiences.
The event was a chance for farmers to take time out from the demands of life on the land and focus on their mental health and community connections.
A highlight of the day were guest speakers, former AFL player, country boy and mental health advocate Justin Koschitzke and resilience and leadership keynote speaker James Greenfields, a former army commander.
Farmers Day Out Benalla guest speakers Justin Koschitzke and James Greenfields.
The event also included a free barbecue and refreshments, giveaways and lucky door prizes — kindly donated by local businesses.
Ms Hayes said it was also a chance to meet others and have meaningful conversations in a supportive environment.
“We had about 120 people come along to the event,” she said.
“It was hosted by Annie Brown, from ABC Rural.
“She was amazing and was able to set the tone for the day.”
Ms Hayes said the event came about from the idea of bringing farmers together and having a break, enjoying a day out and having conversations and a catch-up in that space.
“We aimed for it to be free, so there was no cost to people at all to attend,” she said.
“And we were lucky enough to have sponsors for that.”
Those sponsors included Nutrian Ag Solutions, Travla Australian Lager, the Benalla Saints Football Netball Club, Benalla Rural City Council, Crop Smart, Rotary International, Quality Wool, Western Ag and the National Centre for Farmer Health.
