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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