30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast
March 2020 Edition
INSIDE
THIS EDITION Young farmer win
p5 Agfest
p21 Trees vs wasps
p34 Water for Life
p38
Inspirational: Two rural heroines, Elle Perriam (left) with Jess the huntaway and harriet Bremner with Poppy, are on a mission to improve farm health and safety, and mental health and wellbeing in the rural community. Photo by Dana Johnston
Inspiring women join forces to empower Canterbury farmers Two young rural women, who have a friendship with a difference, are linking up in a bid to change the way those in the rural sector think.
❚ by Erin Speedy Elle Perriam, founder of Will to Live, and Harriet Bremner, children’s author and safety campaigner have both lived through tremendous grief, suffering the loss of both of their partners. With a bond shared through their deep grief, love of dogs, horses, farming and passion for people - the duo are pairing up for the first time to tell their stories, hosting an event at the Rolleston School Auditorium in early March. Presented by The Rolleston Lions Club, ‘Two Rural Heroines’ will raise money for the
Will to Live Foundation and Use Your Voice. Both young women have been on their own respective missions to change the thinking of rural New Zealand when it comes to farm health and safety and mental health and wellbeing. Elle, 22, lost her boyfriend to suicide, inspiring her to start the Will to Live Foundation, and travel the country on the Speak Up Tour. Speaking to rural communities in their local pubs, she has started a ripple effect, encouraging people to speak up about their mental health. “Rural men are notorious for being
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staunch about their feelings. We have had shepherds come up to us to thank us for starting the conversation. That just makes the whole thing worth it,” Elle said. Harriet, 31, who lost her partner in a farming accident knows the importance of being practical when it comes to farm health and safety. “It concerns me that we have this ‘she’ll be right’ and ‘it’ll never happen to me’ attitude in rural NZ. The thing is that it can happen to anyone, even the most experienced operators,” Harriet said.
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