Kingaroy Workshop

Kingaroy

Local Context

Participants highlighted the positive aspects of the community including the opportunity to make friends through social interaction and the welcoming community attitude. The richness and diversity of agriculture was also mentioned. Participants were concerned about the changing social landscape, including the changing demographics of the farming industry (including more lifestyle farms) with the lack of young people coming into farming. The impact of mining was also raised in terms of its affect on farming as well as the general community.  Participants highlighted that farming families were ‘doing it tough’ and that there was a lack of health and mental health resources/support (who do you call?) in some parts of the region.

Issues impacting on mental health

The changing community make up (more industry, hobby farms, reducing remote services) was seen to have an impact on individuals and the community. Landholders were seen to be doing it tough and rural men in particular were limited in their opportunities to deal with issues affecting them.  Changes in government regulation/deregulation were seen to have impacted on viability of some rural industries and leading to a sense of powerlessness by some.  Closure of services in smaller centres and industries such as the Murgon Meatworks were seen to affect people in these areas.  Although there were some good health and mental health services, there was a general perception of reduced access to GPs and other health services.

Impacts

Where regulation, changing community structures, climatic and financial issues impacted on communities, relationship breakdown, frustration, stress, mental health and suicides resulted. A key issue was seen as stress resulting from uncertainty and lack of personal control over what was affecting people’s business or lives.

Current services

Strong community initiatives directly aimed at supporting men and women in rural and remote areas was evident.  Participants were able to list a wide range of organisations, resources and initiatives, which address mental health issues at some level and support individuals.  There were particularly some extensive programs directed at informing and supporting women across the region. There were also some good initiatives aimed at men – but receiving less support.  There were also some strong social support networks including a monthly meeting of “Men in a shed” attracting over 100 men.

Gaps

The main gap identified was the lack of awareness on issues and support for landholders, their families, and community members in relation to mental health.  This included lack of skills by some health professionals in how to respond to symptoms and needs.

Steps

Participants saw key immediate actions as increasing information and support to landholders and community members to provide a better understanding of mental health issues across the community. A range of prior and novel ideas were raised to engage with community including having free head and neck massages to help de-stress and having a support worker visit landholders to work through with them ways to deal with stressful situations.  There was also support to include the provision of mental health training and capacity building to landholders, service providers and health workers. They also saw a need for more resources/funds to support existing and new initiatives and programs.

Potential areas for RIRDC to consider

• Training of rural service providers about mental health – understanding, recognition and referral
• Providing resources/kits and/or training packages to support landholders in dealing with situations such as climate challenges, mining and financial pressures
• Supporting activities being run directed at assisting and supporting landholders
• Providing remote (internet) opportunities for families to find out what is available and how to link in with others

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Dalby Workshop

Dalby
Even though there was a limited turnout for the Dalby workshop, those who were there represented a range of services/sectors (police; church; health) and had close ties with the farming community.

Issues
The main issues rasied were in relation to the impact of mining in the region and the resulting uncertainty in the farming sector.  Farmers/producers were seen to be affected by their lack of control over their own land and the impact of mining activities on their land.  Impacts were also felt in higher input costs and effects were also being found in towns due in increased house prices, rents and incidents by mine workers. An increasing industrialisation was also seen to be changing the cultural landscape.  The lack of local medical/mental health support after business hours was also raised as an issue for mental health management.


Impacts
 It was suggested that these issues can lead to increased finacial difficulties, increased uncertainty and lack of control by landholders, strained community and health resources and a feeling of farmer isolation and community angst.  There was mention that these issues, combined with a lack of mental health services, could lead to self harm or suicide.  The increased regional income from mining was seen to be offset by the need for increased infrastructure.


Current support
Participants were able to list a number of direct and indirect support services - including the mental health unit at the hospital (business hours).

Gaps and Needs
The main gaps were the lack of understanding and support (including training/information) given to farmers/ landholders to deal with the impact of mining affecting their businesses and families.  The gap in mental health services after business hours was also rasied.

Actions
Steps that could be taken were seen to include: providing information, training and skills to landholders affected/potentially affected by mining; and providing training to landholders, allied health and service providers in understanding mental health, dealing with people under stress and how to refer them to professinal help.

Potential for RIRDC intervention
From the discussion and actions seen as needed, the following would appear to be potentially the most relevant to RIRDC:

• Provide information support and advice for farmers on how to deal with mining companies – rights, obligations, recourse, negotiation, options; how to get the best out of it; etc 
•  Provide opportunities for landholders to interact – including on-line approaches 
• Support allied health workers and service providers in better understanding mental health issues and how to provide support/referrals.

Comment?

Please note that you can provide feedback, comments or insights on this post or your own community by going to the Feedback Tab on this blog.  Your comments will not show up on the blog – but we will summarise and post those that we receive.