Support available at Euroa Cattle Sale

The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, will be at the Euroa Cattle Sale next Wednesday alongside mental health professionals to offer free and confidential support to any farmers doing it tough.

Ms Cleeland said anybody is welcome to attend, regardless of whether they are participating in the sale or not – even if they just wanted to stop by for a cup of tea and a chat with friendly faces.

“This is an opportunity for our farmers to be amongst friends and supporters,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Farming can be isolating and stressful work, and recent conditions have not made this any easier.

“If you are concerned about yourself, your neighbour, or anyone in your community that may be doing it tough – I encourage you to come join us for a chat and a cuppa amongst friends.”

Ms Cleeland said recent weather conditions and a lack of government support had left farmers right across the state in vulnerable positions.

“The effects of this drought and a lack of support from government has unfortunately been felt really significantly in our towns – and I wanted to ensure that our farmers had someone to speak to and rely on if needed,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Our paddocks are bare, our dams are dry, and our farmers are at breaking point. Saleyards and freight networks are under enormous pressure, while hay is being trucked in at massive expense just to keep stock alive.

“Despite this, drought still hasn’t been formally recognised in the North-East – and our farmers are unable to access crucial support that would significantly boost their mental health, and production capabilities.

“Every day without support is a day closer to lost stock, abandoned farms, and growing mental health trauma.”

Ms Cleeland will be joined by mental health professionals from across the region, with Strathbogie Shire Councillors also be in attendance.

The cattle sale will be held at the Euroa Saleyard at 58 Sutherland St, Euroa from 9am on Wednesday, June 4.

Ms Cleeland has also started a petition calling for the State Government to formally recognise the drought in North-East Victoria, with over 5000 signatures received so far.

The petition can be signed online at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/drought-in-north-east-victoria