http://vinnies.org.au/files/NSW/SocialJustice/SJS/SJS_21_7_09/snapshot_2008_09_22_mental_health

SOCIAL JUSTICE

SNAPSHOT

STORIES OF HEARTBREAK AND HOPE

By Dr Andy Marks andy.marks@vinnies.org.au

22 September 2008

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Rural Taskforce stands alongside struggling rural communities

he St Vincent de Paul Society’s Rural Task Force marked its second anniversary in August 2008 by meeting in Ulladulla, the region where it all began. Speaking at the meeting, Bev Kerr, the Task Force’s President, recalled how this vital Society initiative was enacted in response to the following question put to the Society’s State Council by the Ulladulla Conference: “what are we doing to help people struggling with the drought?”

Since then, the Rural Task Force has travelled throughout regional NSW making good on its commitment to go out into rural communities and work person-to-person, on the ground where it can be of most benefit. Beginning at Peak Hill, in July 2006, the Task Force has since met with local farming and business communities in Manilla, Coolamon, Lake Cargelligo, Merriwa, Coolah, Warialda, Warren, and of course, Ulladulla. The next meeting is planned for the township of Berrigan in the Riverina.

Bev told the Ulladulla meeting that the Task Force had “heard some terrible stories in the past two years.” One such tale of heartbreak was that of a farmer who took his drought affected sheep to the saleyard, only to be told he’d have to take his stock back as they were in too poor a condition to accept for sale. He replied that he had no grain to feed them and asked if he could give them to the yard. They said they were sorry but they couldn’t take them. Devastated, he took his sheep home and shot the entire flock, and then shot himself.

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Another farmer, recalled Bev, told the Task Force that the drought meant his lambs were being born deformed as a result of malnutrition. Bev explained that the devastating nature of these stories had prompted many city dwellers to enquire about trucking loads of food to struggling rural areas.

While well intentioned this approach, she added, was not the answer. Farmers want sustainable help for the whole of the farming community. Bev said that this is why the Task Force decided early on to seek financial support only for farmers. This helps rebuild communities, as farmers use these funds to buy essentials from local businesses, injecting funds where they are most needed.

Bev’s talk was followed by reports from other members of the Task Force who provided updates on conditions in their respective areas. Pauline Black from Wagga Wagga Diocese said the Riverina continues to be badly affected by the drought. Many farmers had taken their own lives. The Society is providing assistance to struggling schools by paying for excursions and events. Local farmers are also being helped with bills, food parcels, fuel, maintenance costs, ambulance cover, and counseling. Importantly, Pauline added that Society members are also providing “non-material support” in the form of prayers and masses. Another important, if unconventional form of assistance has been the establishment of “spotters”. Spotters, Pauline explained, are a group of farmers wives who ring the Society and other agencies if they see a neighbour in trouble. On the advice of a spotter, “we brought a parcel of food to one farmer’s wife”, Pauline recalls, “and she was so overwhelmed she sat on the kitchen floor and cried.”

Mick Holmes from Young reported that farmers across the Canberra/Goulburn Diocese are trying to put crops in but are being forced to cut corners because of the cost of sprays and fertilisers. This is unsurprising said Mick when you consider it can cost anything between $200-550 per acre to achieve a successful yield. Mick added that marginal increases in rainfall have had little impact because falls have not been steady enough to seep into the sub-soil. Mick was very worried about children in the region. The unrelenting desperation around them has prompted a “don’t care” attitude among youths. “This is very bad for the future”, he said. Mick closed his report with the important question: “Are we thinking outside the square or just about what we can do?”

“We brought a parcel of food to one farmer’s wife and she was so overwhelmed she sat on the kitchen floor and cried.”

Don Hewitt reported on conditions in Armidale and the New England. The Society has recently expanded its visits with farmers in the area. Don told how he took part in a visit to a farming couple in their 70s, who for the first time in three generations were forced by the drought to take their stock on the road or the “long paddock” as it is referred to colloquially. The couple had been camping out on the roadside, moving 300 head at a cost of $1.30 per head, per day. Vinnies members helped

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them with bills and purchased a second-hand caravan so they would not be forced to sleep in the back of their truck. Don commented the Dioceses’ expanded visitation work has been an unparalleled learning experience for all involved.

Allen Murphy from Bathurst Diocese commented, “the Australian farming community is one of the proudest in the world.” He observed that farmers experiencing extreme personal hardship are invariably more concerned about their neighbours than themselves. Allen was particularly concerned about the decline in local communities. With time, he said, we can recover from the drought but the loss of communities is irrevocable. Mental health is another point of concern. Allan was very encouraged by the attendance of more than 200 people at a recent mental health forum. The heartfelt stories shared at the forum had a much needed healing affect. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house”, he observed.

Farmers experiencing extreme personal hardship are invariably more concerned about their neighbours than themselves.

Peter Leckie from Sydney Archdiocese raised the issue of “partnering”; a process by which urban Dioceses pair up with their rural counterparts to provide resources, support and assistance. Peter commented: “We stand ready and willing to help in any way needed.”

Vince Toohey from Wilcannia/Forbes Diocese, an area encompassing half of NSW conducts his visitation on the phone. Vince takes the time to build trust during the course of these conversations. He’s heard many tales of heartbreak, such as the story of one hard working, typically stoic young farmer who broke down in tears around the family dinner table, no longer able to hide his frustration and despair. Vince has also been lobbying government, telling one high-level inquiry: “If Australia wants a farming industry, we can no longer turn our backs and say, ‘famers are tough – she’ll be right mate’. Farming people are no different from other Australians and are entitled to a similar lifestyle. It’s the least you would expect from a civilised society.”

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“If Australia wants a farming industry, we can no longer turn our backs and say, ‘famers are tough – she’ll be right mate’. Farming people are no different from other Australians and are entitled to a similar lifestyle. It’s the least you would expect from a civilised society.”

Bev assured all present that the Rural Task Force will continue to provide assistance on the ground, person-to-person, wherever it is needed. Ongoing St Vincent de Paul Society initiatives such as the ‘Mate Helping Mate’ DVD – a vital mental health resource – are also having a positive impact on the lives of rural Australians. Similarly, the Society is currently conducting intensive social justice research in regional areas like Ulladulla to ensure that our practical response and advocacy work is continually informed by the latest research. As Vince correctly said, “it’s the least you would expect”.

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