Holbrook Landcare Network

"Legless and Blind" Roadshow

A community mental health event

Community Participation - LEP_23-020_LLC05

The issue

Mental health is a crucial issue in country towns, where communities often face unique challenges that can impact well-being.

While rural areas are known for their strong sense of community and resilience, factors such as social isolation, economic pressures, and limited access to mental health services can make it harder for individuals to seek and receive support.

Farmers and rural residents in the Holbrook regions live with the constant reality of drought, bushfires, floods, and other extreme weather events, which can create significant stress financial strain. These pressures not only affect livelihoods but also take a toll community resilience.

The solution

Over 600 people from the Holbrook and surrounds, attended the inspirational talks by Ben Pettingill and Mike Rolls over two days.

Two sessions at Billabong High School and surrounding schools, heard how both Ben and Mike faced life changing health crises in their teens and learnt to move forward with purpose and fulfillment. Both events invited health practitioners along to speak openly about what to look for in a person, when they are having a stroke/heart attack/drug induced issues.

The impact

The “Legless and Blind” label, certainly created interest. Mike, who is a double amputee and Ben, who became blind overnight at the age 0f 18, served as a powerful reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Their stories highlighted their strength of spirit and encouraged people to take care of their own well-being and those around them.
The event’s success outlined the need for continued conversations and initiatives around mental health in rural communities. The Holbrook Landcare Network and local organizers hope to build on this momentum by facilitating more opportunities for mental health education.

Learnings

Mental health in country towns requires a community-driven approach, where individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations work together to create a supportive environment. By continuing to invest in awareness, access to services, and local initiatives, rural communities can ensure that mental well-being is a priority for everyone.

This event could not have taken place without the support and funding from the Holbrook Community. Along with the resolve of the Foundation for Regional Renewal (FRRR). By strengthening community networks, rural communities can continue to thrive despite the pressures of drought, fire, and flood.

Building Mental Resilience in the Face of Environmental Challenges

  1. Drought: The Slow-Burning Crisis

    • Farmers often experience “drought guilt”, feeling responsible for circumstances beyond their control.

  2. Bushfires: The Immediate & Long-Term Trauma

    • The trauma doesn’t end when the fire is out—rebuilding takes years, emotional toll can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

  3. Floods: Destruction & Recovery Challenges

    • Repeated flooding events, as seen in recent years, can cause mental fatigue and feelings of helplessness.

  4. The Cumulative Effect of Extreme Weather

    • When disasters occur back-to-back—such as drought followed by fire, then flood—resilience is tested to its limits.

    • Farmers and rural communities experience decision fatigue, struggling to keep rebuilding after each setback.

Author: Rachael Daniel

Project Partners