lifelineqld.org.au
One farmer became four. A simple idea grew into something extraordinary.
Farmer to Farmer connects farmers and their loved ones in crisis with other farmers who understand their struggles – peer support that meets people where they are, geographically, culturally, and emotionally.
What started as one farmer’s initiative evolved into recognition as an essential disaster response service.
But this story begins with something much more fundamental – the belief that healing happens best when it comes from someone who’s walked the same dusty roads, faced the same relentless challenges and understood the unique language of the land.
This unique service has supported thousands of farmers and their families throughout Queensland. Behind every statistic stands a person who discovered hope in their darkest hour.
John* carried deeply personal trauma he’d never shared with anyone - months of isolation taking their toll – until he contacted the Farmer to Farmer team. Through supportive phone conversations, something shifted.
Slowly, gradually, John began reconnecting with his community, rebuilding relationships he’d abandoned in despair.
When John needed help addressing his drinking, the team respected his autonomy completely.
Today, John has rebuilt his family connections and community ties. His willingness to trust in his community again.
This demonstrates the extraordinary power of a fellow farmer who is a trained Lifeline Crisis Supporter, to be there to provide a listening ear, empathy, understanding and hope.
Ross, the first Farmer to Farmer trained Crisis Supporter reflects on the ripple effect of John’s experience: “The person I helped early on has become my best source of referrals. He’s probably connected about 20 people to our program who’ve needed help.”
That’s the impact community support creates; one conversation becomes countless lives touched, exemplifying how authentic connection creates ever-widening circles of hope throughout farming communities.
Distance meant nothing when crisis struck Susie*, who called from her cattle station 370 kilometres southwest of Longreach, her voice trembling as she described unprecedented flooding surrounding her property.
“The oldest generations here just can’t believe what they’re seeing,” she shared.
What moved the Farmer to Farmer team most was Susie’s profound relief – finally, someone understood. Someone grasped what rural communities endure when nature unleashes its fury.
Through the devastation, Susie learned and witnessed remarkable resilience – working dogs independently rounding up cattle, neighbouring property owners flying overhead searching for stranded livestock, demonstrating rural communities’ instinctive unity during disasters.
Today, the program continues expanding across Australia’s agricultural heartlands.
When people support mental health initiatives that meet farmers where they are, it demonstrates the community backing that makes programs like Farmer to Farmer possible – alongside the support of dedicated funding partners Woolworths and the Mazda Foundation.
*Names changed for privacy
