Feature Profiles
30 March, 2026
Relaxed nights bring praise
NEW data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has again highlighted the serious impact of mental health challenges across Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas.
NEW data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has again highlighted the serious impact of mental health challenges across Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas.
In 2024, 3307 deaths were classified as suicide, with a crude rate of 12.2 per 100,000 people. Suicide remains the third leading cause of premature death and the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 49.
Alarmingly, more people die from suicide each year than on the nation’s roads.
The burden is even greater in remote communities. Over the past five years, suicide rates in remote and very remote Australia have consistently ranged between 20.5 and 24.6 deaths per 100,000 people—well above rates recorded in regional areas and major cities.
Male suicide rates in these areas are more than double those in metropolitan regions, reinforcing the need for targeted support in rural communities.
Against this backdrop, recent resilience events hosted by Loddon Plains Landcare Network have played an important role in supporting local communities.
The three sessions - in Inglewood, Jarklin and last week Pyramid Hill - were strongly attended and widely praised, providing a relaxed and welcoming environment where people felt comfortable engaging in open and honest conversations.
Guest speakers shared practical insights, personal experiences, and simple ways to check in on others and offer support.
Importantly, many attendees chose to stay on after the formal sessions, continuing conversations, building relationships, and offering peer support.
These informal interactions proved just as valuable, helping to strengthen connections across the community.
The events highlighted the unique pressures faced by farmers and rural residents, while reinforcing a key message—connection is vital to building resilience and overall wellbeing.
Creating safe, supportive spaces where people can talk, listen, and look out for one another is essential, not only for those experiencing hardship but also for the friends and family supporting them.
As rural communities continue to face ongoing challenges, initiatives like these demonstrate the power of coming together, starting conversations, and ensuring no one feels alone.
Read More: Loddon Shire, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill