Goondiwindi Workshop

Goondiwindi Workshop – March 7 2011

Local context

The farming context was described as mixed farming – with a wide range of rural industries.  There is not a strong mining presence – although some testing is being undertaken.  The community was seen as quite stable and resilient over time – although it was noted that the prolonged drought had impacted on local business (recent closure of 2 shops in the main street).  Banks have also tightened up credit in the rural area and the MDB Plan development had added uncertainty to future investment.

It was noted that there was a good mix of ages in the community – with children returning as adults and older people settling in town (along the river!) rather than the coast.  There appeared to be some distinct socio-economic groups.  There were good medical services (6 GPs), schools and aged care.   Some government services were being lost to Toowoomba and the DPI (DEEDI) was seen as lacking capacity and relevance.  It was noted that social groups (eg tennis clubs) had diminished over the years but the volunteer ethos was quite high.

There was general feeling that the community was quite supportive and positive and a good environment in which to live. 

Issues impacting on uncertainty, stress and mental health

Participants were asked to consider the specific issues that impacted on their community – resulting from climate variability or other factors in their rural and urban communities.  The issues raised are listed below:

Resource Access

·         Flood and drought and impact on cash flow and profitability – difficulties with paying bills leading to pressure and more debt.

·         Multinationals buying family farms – don’t have ties or care about local business/community

·         Labour shortage – as a result of mining – removing a population from the community and returning with expectations community businesses can’t fulfil (eg salary levels)

·         Generally lower income levels (than in recent years)

·         Lack of housing for marginalised people

·         MDBA – water buy-back – leading to uncertainty

·         Withdrawal of local resources

Youth issues

·         Parenting skills lacking and difficulty in accessing disability/mental health support

·         Work ethic of younger generation – has an effect on business

·         Generation Y versus X versus Baby Boomers – and impact on farming/business

·         Assumption of youth that they can leave school and work on local farms – not always the case

·         Succession planning (lacking)

Personal Worth

·         Importance of My dilemma – ie where do my issues fit and where do I go to deal with it?

·         Life work balance

·         Stoicism – admitting that you need help – “I’d rather implode than ask for help” (60 yr old farmer)

·         Property owners and pressure on them to remain on the land for future generations

·         Social embarrassment/stigma

·         Closing business – affects pride

Health

·         Cost block – to gain Medicare benefits a care plan is needed – otherwise costly

·         Advance Plan and Care

·         Sleep Apnea issue for truck drivers – fear of having issue registered prevents drivers from seeking the help they need

·         Alcohol and drug use – a big problem with the youth – part of the broader culture (eg alcohol at family events as fund raiser)

Access to Support

·         Border issue – NSW/Qld referrals issues cause paper work problems

·         Lack of support groups – for different sub-groups in the community – including ‘disguised’ groups (eg social groups which also provide personal support)

·         Tyranny of distance – access to help – cost/time

Examples given to illustrate issues were:

·         Neighbour who had to travel to Sydney for unwell daughter – resulted in stress on farm business and marriage

Current services and initiatives

Participants pooled their knowledge of current programs and initiatives targeting mental health and well being support.  These are listed below:

·         Black Dog initiative – started locally – aim to provide a familiar, friendly environment.  Has run a series of workshops in different districts and have been well supported.  Some very successful men’s meetings with sports stars (eg Wayne Bennett; Merve Hughes)

·         Mindfullness group – women over 35 – excellent response

·         Rural Women’s Forums (Naturally Resourceful Program)

·         Care Goondiwindi (project funding) – umbrella over many areas of health care – includes indigenous, elderely, child health etc - monthly news

·         Mothers Groups – run by community nurse (stopping due to lack of time/resources/ meeting facilities – but there is an initiative to continue in another form)

·         Mental Health Unit at the Hospital; GPs; 2 private psychologists; Centrecare Psychologists – do have people look after those with a mental health plan.

·         Youth Providers network – meet monthly to address issues and stay connected

·         Drug Arm

·         Queensland Health LYMHS

·         Regular adverstising of phone numbers and services in local media

·         Goondy-Greys – older men’s shed meetings

·         Email updates from Chamber of Commerce – lets people know what is going on

·         Westpac provides/subsidies mental health help for clients in extreme circumstances

·         Service clubs/Churches also provide social support services

·         R-Health KUDO – emergency contacts for people in the community

What gaps are there and where is the need?

After reflecting on current initiatives and the issues faced in the region, participants were asked to identify gaps that needed filling to complete the support picture.  These are listed below:

·         Lack of clear pathways for referrals or access to services

·         Lack of clear tool box of resources/services

·         Lack of access to services in lower socio-economic group

·         Lack of information – for example on mental health plans and associated support and funding

·         Mental health literacy/first aid trained people

·         Lack of strategies for providing/gaining skills to deal with stress

Steps that can be taken to address the gaps and needs

Participants were asked to discuss and come up with specific needs or steps that should/could be taken within the community to address gaps or build on current initiatives.  There suggestions are listed below:

Frameworks

·         Frameworks are needed to help direct and adapt resources/approaches to specific target groups within the broader community

·         Clear procedures for dealing with/referring/approaching mental illness treatment

·         Identify funding sources available to help mental health programs and initiatives

Support Programs

·         Funds for baby sitters for professionals and clients (availability issue)

·         Quasi/virtual support groups – eg email groups to receive information (or facebook/blogs)

·         Funds to provide respite from farms

·         Funds generally to support programs

·         Funds for flying out allied health (music and art therapists)

·         Men’s group – build something for the community; non-technical/practical groups; common interest (eg cars; golf)

·         Community Garden project (some planning already underway)

·         Activities which build self worth etc – to withstand onslaughts – eg building something for the community

Training and Skills

·         More trained MH First-Aiders

·         Funds for a prevention program – focus on relationship skills

·         Information sessions – often/timely/fun (note after a drought everyone feels like talking)

·         Outlet training – eg at service clubs, sports teams, business groups, farming meetings

·         Education campaigns – increase mental health literacy in the community

·         Informing farmers about services available (example of Roma where Young Beef producers meetings were held the week before the Roma Picnic races)

Information dissemination

·         Advertising of workshops and programs (better than currently)

·         Funds for PR campaigns for mental health literacy and destigmatising mental health

·         Example of centre for rural and remote mental health Cairns – workshops with John Shuman – Post Traumatic Stress speaker

Networking

·         Key contacts for support – non-professionals

·         Networking opportunities for professionals

·         Funds to link mental health professionals with front liners (agronomists)

·         Mental Health Professionals Network Group (steps underway to start monthly meetings)

·         Networks outside colleagues – eg performance artists; Live at HUT; social events

·         Support for professionals – self care; networking; support

·         Working more with service clubs

Potential RIRDC contribution

From the list if ideas and steps suggested, the following would appear to most relevant to RIRDC:

·         Support a program for farmers as RIRDC did for rural women – focus on resilience, succession planning etc

·         Could develop a series of workshops/material on “Change Management” – could include managing variability and managing mental health

·         Email/web links for help could be attached to weather sites (eg Elders, Bureau of Meteorology) – as farmers regularly access these sites and there is no stigma around them

Final Word

A participant passed on advice she had been given in relation to caring for our community and neighbours: when talking with someone, always as “How are you going?”- and then listen!