Supporting Kids’ Resilience in Northern Rivers: Mustering Growth Program Expands

Rural Aid is excited to announce the expansion of its highly regarded ‘Mustering Growth’ program, an initiative designed to strengthen the resilience and wellbeing of primary students in rural and regional Australia. Over the next two months, the program will extend to two more schools— Modanville Public School and Channon Public School—bringing the total number of schools that have benefted to 15.

The ‘Mustering Growth’ program consists of fve sessions that focus on fostering resilience, enhancing mental health, and promoting personal growth in rural schoolchildren. These sessions provide students with practical tools and strategies to cope with the unique challenges of rural life, particularly in the wake of natural disasters like the devastating foods that have hit the Northern Rivers region in recent years.

The program is part of a broader effort to support the long-term wellbeing and development of rural communities.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters emphasized the importance of programs like this in building stronger, more resilient communities. “The ‘Mustering Growth’ program refects our broader commitment to helping rural communities thrive, not just survive. By tackling the economic and mental health challenges our farmers face, we aim to empower them with the knowledge and support necessary for success,” Mr. Warlters said.

Since its launch in 2023, ‘Mustering Growth’ has reached nearly 800 students, not only in the Northern Rivers but across Australia. The program has been widely embraced by students and educators, with many schools requesting repeat visits to equip new groups of students with these crucial life skills. “That invitation to return to schools and equip another group of kids with important life skills that will help set them up for the future is a wonderful validation of Mustering Growth,” Mr. Warlters added. As the program continues to expand, Rural Aid remains committed to providing essential resources that promote resilience and well-being among the next generation of rural Australians.