As South Australian livestock producers face ongoing challenges due to uncertain times, it's essential to access the right support. This page offers a range of resources to help you navigate financial, mental health, and government assistance options. Whether you're seeking guidance or need immediate help, explore the links here to connect with valuable tools and services that can provide the support you need during these tough times.
Life can sometimes be overwhelming. Times of isolation, lockdown, drought and other challenges can cause people to experience distress, including anxiety and depression. In times like these, it's important to know that you're not alone.
With a little help, you can employ tools and strategies to work through tough times and build stronger mental health and wellbeing – making you, your family and your business more resilient.
Here is a range of services available to help strengthen your mental wellbeing.
Crisis Support
Immediate, 24/7 services for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies or acute distress.
Lifeline
Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Visit Lifeline | 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression, and crisis situations. Offers online and phone counselling.
Visit Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia
24/7 telephone and online counselling for men experiencing emotional distress or relationship concerns.
Visit MensLine | 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline
Free, confidential counselling for young people aged 5 to 25. Available 24/7 by phone and online.
Visit Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800
Regional Access
24/7 phone and online counselling for people in regional South Australia.
Visit Regional Access
Virtual Psychologist
Text-based mental health support for people in remote and rural areas.
Visit Virtual Psychologist
Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.
Visit Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
General Mental Health Support
Services offering ongoing support, information, and resources for wellbeing and resilience.
ifarmwell
A free online toolkit to help farmers cope with challenges and build resilience.
Visit ifarmwell
TIACS – This Is A Conversation Starter
Free and confidential counselling via phone or text for blue-collar workers, including farmers.
Visit TIACS | 0488 846 988
Rural Health Connect
Telehealth psychology service connecting rural residents to professionals.
Visit Rural Health Connect
Headspace
Support for young people aged 12 to 25 across mental health, physical health, and work or study.
Visit headspace
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH)
Focuses on improving wellbeing in rural areas through education, research, and programs.
Visit CRRMH
Aussie Helpers
Provides direct support to farming families, including mental health assistance and farm visits.
Visit Aussie Helpers
The Ripple Effect
Digital program reducing suicide stigma in rural farming communities through shared stories.
Visit The Ripple Effect
Farm Angels
Support for primary producers impacted by natural disasters, including mental health assistance.
Visit Farm Angels | 07 4662 7371
Mind Maintenance Toolkit
Self-paced online modules to support mental wellbeing tailored for farmers.
Visit Mind Maintenance Toolkit
Back On Track
A peer-guided mental health program for farmers focusing on behavioural activation techniques.
Visit Back On Track
Community and Connection
Programs that support wellbeing through relationships, connection, and local engagement.
Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA)
Encourages men to connect, share, and contribute through local shed communities.
Visit AMSA
The Regional Men’s Health Initiative
Promotes awareness and discussion about men’s wellbeing in regional WA communities.
Visit Regional Men’s Health
Relationships Australia
Provides counselling and relationship support services to individuals, couples, and families.
Visit Relationships Australia
Resources and Tools
Practical tools and information to support mental health and wellbeing.
Farmer Wellbeing Toolkit
A collection of resources designed to assist in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
Visit Farmer Wellbeing Toolkit
Managing Stress on the Farm
A publication offering practical guidance on managing stress in the farming context.
Learn More
Campfire Podcast
Engaging podcasts discussing work-related risks to mental health on the farm.
Listen Now
Tackling the Tough Topics
A step-by-step guide to planning mental health and wellbeing events in farming communities.
Find Out More
PIRSA - Drought
PIRSA have developed a dry times website with key information and links to documents with a range of information on livestock and crop management options and strategies, tools, information, and advice that is available, support services, and key contacts.
Drought - PIRSA
DAFF - Drought, disaster and rural support
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have resources available.
Drought, disaster and rural support - DAFF
Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) Loans
Funded by the Australian Government, RIC offers low-interest loans to farm businesses to strengthen Australian agriculture and build thriving regional communities.
Regional Investment Corporation - Australian Government (ric.gov.au)
Rural Aid Australia
Rural Aid offers essential services to support farmers, including financial assistance, mental health and wellbeing programs, water and fodder supplies, and volunteer support through community initiatives. Their holistic approach helps farmers and rural communities thrive during challenging times.
Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities
FaB Mentors
The PIRSA led FaBS program runs state wide, with mentors located in every region. Find the FaBS mentor in your area and get help living with drought.
Family and Business Mentors (pir.sa.gov.au)
SA Drought Hub - Livestock and Fodder Management
The resources through the SA Drought Hub are of relevance to SA farmers and regional communities. They assist in decision making and potential practice change to build drought preparedness and resilience.
Livestock and fodder management - SA Drought Hub
Rural Business Support
Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural and regional South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Rural Business Support - Supporting a profitable, sustainable and resilient primary industries sector
National Centre for Farmer Health
The National Centre for Farmer Health provides research, education, and practical resources to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of farmers, farm workers, and their communities. Their website offers toolkits, programs, and health information tailored specifically to the farming lifestyle.
Visit National Centre for Farmer Health
There is a range of support services at both federal and state/territory levels. The links are:
Information on livestock management in dry seasonal conditions: