Source: Federated Farmers
A $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund announced today at the Federated Farmers Advocacy Hub at Fieldays is a great win for rural advocacy groups, Wayne Langford says.
The Federated Farmers president has led the way in pushing the Government to deliver increased investment into rural mental health – an issue close to his heart.
“It’s hugely rewarding to get this across the line. I’m absolutely stoked the Government are making such a meaningful investment in the mental health of our rural communities.
“Federated Farmers have been involved every step of the way – but we haven’t been alone. The likes of DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb, Young Farmers and Rural Women have been right there with us.”
Langford says the extra $4 million from both Ministers Todd McClay and Matt Doocey to expand the investment in community-based wellbeing initiatives may be matched by industry partners, for a total pool of $8 million.
“The investment is significant in terms of the dollar amount, but the real value will come in having a much more coordinated approach that brings all the energy and focus into one place.
“In practice, we’re going to see the sector coming together to ensure we’re investing in the initiatives that bring the best results and make a real difference in people’s lives.
“That will cut out a whole heap of waste, remove all the duplication, and make sure every dollar invested in rural mental health is working as hard as it possibly can.”
Langford says, as a country, we’ve moved past the stage of simply acknowledging and building awareness of the importance of strong mental health.
“It’s great that we’ve come such a long way with rural mental health awareness, but now it’s time for action.
“Supporting groups like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, FirstMate and NZ Young Farmers, who are doing the mahi on the ground, is so important.”
A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications.
Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners.
In announcing the funding, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay paid particular tribute to advocacy by Langford, who he described as a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health.
However, Langford says a strength of the initiative is that all the primary industry groups are united in the desire for action.
“With funding in place, we can now get some changes happening and make a real difference.”
