Dorothy Crosby, a Rural Aid SA counsellor based in Quorn, spoke at Charlton Women in Agriculture and Business branch’s February meeting.
Ms Crosby travels around the state as the leader of this not-for-profit organisation in South Australia and is also the representative nationally.
Rural Aid was established in 2015, when it was recognised that the needs of the rural communities were ‘flying under the radar’ and that farmers were unseen politically.
It now has more than 18,000 farmers registered, covering all areas of primary production.
Once registered any primary producer can reach out for advice and help which can be offered over the phone, or by personal visit.
Ms Crosby travels in a big ute that the men inspected during the formal meeting that followed the talk and supper.
The aim is to give people help in rough times – practical, financial, social and emotional supports, and in doing so work alongside an individual, offering direct support.
Other help agencies like ‘Need for Feed’ and Blaze Aid offer more regional support after major disasters.
A disaster declaration does not have to be announced for support to be provided by Rural Aid.
Practical help offered recently has provided stock feed and domestic water to some struggling with lack of rain.
The counsellor stated that rural people were resilient and resourceful but can become worn out and in danger of the fear of failure when they blame themselves and take on feelings of shame.
Her audience agreed that many felt the generational responsibility which needed to be acknowledged.
Ms Crosby is also keen to support and encourage smaller communities to get passionate and enthusiastic and to encourage more activity in their local area.
She spoke of an initiative in New South Wales called Mustering Growth which is implementing ways to encourage people into their areas.
Ms Crosby’s final message was to encourage all community members to watch out for friends and neighbours who might isolate themselves and become very quiet: “we need to communicate with them and offer thoughtful interest and support.”
