Holyoake will deliver a suite of mental health training and support initiatives tailored specifically for farming communities affected by the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea.
The initiative now forms part of Holyoake’s broader, evidence-informed model of care, which addresses the unique and complex challenges facing rural and remote communities – particularly in the agricultural sector.
Content will include targeted mental health literacy and suicide prevention training to individuals, families, frontline workers, and industry leaders across regional Western Australia.
This Community Wellbeing Program is funded through the Australian Government’s Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package and administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
Building a practical, visible and sustainable support network across regional WA.
Through a combination of workshops, training sessions, and community-based delivery, Holyoake will empower regional stakeholders with practical tools to manage stress, support others, and respond to signs of mental ill-health. By building skills at every level of the community, Holyoake’s program will create a capable and responsive local support network.
Focus areas include:
- Mental health literacy and early intervention
- Suicide prevention training
- Stress management techniques
- Upskilling of local champions to support ongoing wellbeing conversations
This work will complement services delivered by Rural Aid and the Blue Tree Project, with all partners collaborating to ensure activities respond to local needs and integrate with other regional supports such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Upcoming Workshops 2026
| Workshop Name | Location | Date | Purchase a Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental Counsellor workshop | KELLERBERRIN | 23rd April | Ticket |
| Accidental Counsellor workshop | DARKAN | 13th May | Ticket |
| AgriBalance+ workshop | PINGRUP | 29th May | Ticket |
| Accidental Counsellor workshop | NORTHAM | 17th June | Ticket |
| Accidental Counsellor workshop | KONDININ | 23rd June | Ticket |
| AgriBalance+ workshop | WELLSTEAD | 30th July | Ticket |
Want a workshop in your town?
Lodge an Expression of Interest to bring Holyoake training to your community via the EOI form below and Jo Drayton will be in touch for a conversation to discuss the options further.
Resources
Holyoake Wellbeing and Safety Toolkit
Developed for Rural and Regional Communities
About Holyoake
Holyoake is a leading non-government provider of alcohol and other drug and mental health support services in Western Australia. Offering a wide range of evidence-based programs, Holyoake enables lasting change for thousands of individuals, families and communities impacted by alcohol, other drugs, and mental health concerns. All programs have been designed with a holistic, non-judgemental approach and are provided in a safe and caring environment.
Supporting Communities Through Change
Holyoake CEO Ben Smith said the funding will enable much-needed support at a grassroots level.
“This funding is an investment in the people who keep our agricultural communities going – through the good seasons and the tough ones. As the sector navigates the transition away from live sheep exports, it’s essential we not only focus on the economics of change, but also on the people impacted.
By equipping farmers, families, and rural professionals with the skills and confidence to support mental wellbeing, we’re helping build stronger, more resilient communities from the inside out.”
Holyoake’s delivery will prioritise regions most affected by the industry shift, with the first training sessions scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Enquiries
Direct enquiries to Jo Drayton, Specialist Training Coordinator at Holyoake, at jdrayton@holyoake.org.au.
