Summary
As part of Queensland Mental Health Week 2026, the Just a South West Farmer initiative travelled with our Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected Communities team across the South West.
As part of Queensland Mental Health Week 2026, the Just a South West Farmer initiative travelled with our Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected Communities team across the South West, using powerful storytelling, photography and community conversations to shine a light on rural wellbeing and mental health.
The project aimed to spark important discussions, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the resilience and support networks that exist across our region.
The Queensland Mental Health Week community events were held in Quilpie, Charleville, St George and Roma, attracting a combined attendance of 455 people. Community members, local families, industry representatives, mental health organisations and service providers came together to watch the moving Just a Farmer film, hear from panellists, connect with support services and continue conversations about mental health in rural communities.
Attendance included:
- Quilpie: 114 attendees
- Charleville: 78 attendees
- St George: 124 attendees
- Roma: 139 attendees
The events also provided opportunities for children and families to participate in activities, ensuring the conversations around wellbeing were accessible and inclusive for all ages.
A strong network of partners helped bring the initiative to life, including Queensland Mental Health Week, the Department of Primary Industries, Birdie's Tree, Medicare Mental Health (RHealth), Rural Aid, Farmer to Farmer, StandBy, Stride, Rotary, Frontier Services, QCWA, local councils and TIACS. Their involvement highlighted the collective commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people living and working in rural and remote communities.
Through open conversations, shared experiences and community connection, Just a South West Farmer continues to build a lasting legacy that encourages people to seek support, look out for one another and recognise that mental health is everyone's business.