ITS title might indicate their work is worthless, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.
That’s the message ahead of a free screening of Australian feature film Just a Farmer in Kerang on Sunday.
In the plot, when tragedy strikes, Alison finds herself thrust into the role of managing a struggling farm and navigating the challenges of an alcoholic father-in-law.
It explores themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable spirit of a farming community facing adversity head-on.
Writer, actor, producer and executive producer Leila McDougal said the film was more than a narrative.
“It’s a testament to the resilience of farming families,” she said.
“It addresses mental health, generational trauma, and the struggles of rural life with warmth and heart – a universal story with a powerful emotional connection.
“The film is a catalyst for conversation and change.
“It captures the essence of Australian farming, addresses mental health gaps in remote regions, and aims to save lives by elevating awareness and fostering dialogue.”
This event is presented by Mallee Family Care in partnership with Gannawarra Council and supported by flood recovery funding and the Gannawarra Shire Community Resilience Committee.
MFC chief executive Teresa Jayet said the Gannawarra Shire had been devastated by the 2022 floods and flash flooding in the past year, and famers were not immune.
“With these isolated incidents, it’s about the repercussions they cause to communities and families regarding the physical and mental wellbeing and the financial cost after that,” she said.
“Disasters like those experienced have a lifelong imprint that is widespread – farmers are impacted as well.
“What that meant is through the flood recovery program we delivered at those times, people weren’t travelling too well.
“The main messaging is to really emphasise that you are never on your own in dealing with these issues – sometimes there are no warnings to these events.
“Connection in community is really important to us, it’s the forefront of the work we do.
“We can connect you with the supports and provide free assistance and guidance, like legal advice, assistance with rebuilding and repairing, housing advocacy, mental health, grant applications and referrals.”
Ms Jayet said disasters don’t just happen and get forgotten about.
“People with direct experience feel the turmoil for quite a long time,” she said.
“Just a Farmer is a story to tell in this.
“The word ‘resilience’ is interpreted wrong sometimes because people think ‘resilience’ is a thing about being stoic and dealing with things on your own, but it doesn’t … it means coming together and getting those supports when and where you need them.
“Leila and Damian (Walshe-Howling) explore these themes really well in the storyline and will be available after the screening for a question and answer.
“I grew up on an agricultural property and my family are still very involved in the industry and I look at them and think we should never underestimate people that produce what ends up on the kitchen table.
“The work they do is significant.
“People will often say, ‘I’m just a mum’ or something similar, but I wish it wasn’t a word that was used, because the role they hold, regardless of what it is, is significant and is important.”
Ms Jayet said she didn’t want the title of the film to be “misleading”.
“It’s a story for everyone,” she said.
“Everyone can pick something out from this screening.
“It will really resonate in these times as many feel the pinch.
“It’s a story that is significant for now and what has happened.”
The event will be held at Kerang Memorial Hall, 1pm-4pm, on Sunday.
A free afternoon tea is included.
A Q&A panel discussion featuring Walshe-Howling and McDougall will follow the screening.
This will provide an opportunity to explore the themes within the storyline.
Register for the event at bit.ly/JAFKerang
For more information, call MFC Swan Hill office on 5032 4479.
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 13 11 14. For crisis support, call Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636, headspace, 1800 650 890, or Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800.
