Farmer turned mental health advocate Warren Davies is on a mission to help others.
‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ has turned his life around after a devastating blow to his family’s livelihood when he lost his farm during the Millenium Drought.
Now as a public speaker and educator, he captures the attention of country and city audience members with his authentic, inspiring, and sometimes confronting presentations on mental health.
Thanks to $10,000 in funding from the South Australian Government’s State Emergency Relief Fund, the Coorong District Council is working with the region’s Suicide Prevention Network—Coorong Conversations Matter—to host four events across the district from 7-11 August 2024.
In a radio interview with ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman this morning, he said it is vitally important farmers can talk about their challenges and seek help when needed.
“Whether that’s reaching out to a health professional like a doctor or whether that is just your support network of family and friends, you have to communicate with those people and let them know how you are travelling because unless you tell them, they’re not going to know and they can’t support you. So that first initial step is just reaching out and saying, ‘hey I need some help here, I’m struggling a bit,'” Warren told Adam and Jennie.
Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons encourages residents to attend one of the four events.
“Warren’s presentations are authentic and inspiring, and they provide people with strategies they can take home and implement in their day to day lives to overcome challenges and keep them moving forward,” said Mayor Paul Simmons.
Community groups and organisations have gotten behind Warren’s visit, hosting a range of free afternoon teas, community BBQ’s, subsidised dinners, and a fundraising drive for Drive Against Depression at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park.
- Wednesday 7th August, 6pm, Peake Football Club
Free Community BBQ - Thursday 8th August, 6:30pm, Coonalpyn Football Club
$12 schnitzel night – bookings essential - Friday 9th August, 7pm, Meningie Golf Club
$12 schnitzel or steak – bookings essential - Sunday 11th August, 2pm, Tailem Bend – Shell V-Power Motorsport Park
Complimentary afternoon tea
Community members are encouraged to secure their tickets to via TryBooking online or by calling the Council’s Community Development Team on 1300 785 277.
