Campfire has been developed by the Primary Producer Knowledge Network (PPKN) and the National Centre for Farmer Health, to provide an engaging, solution-focused approach for farmers to proactively improve their systems of work in support of mentally healthy workplaces.
The Campfire Conversations podcast series features topic and farming experts discussing a wide range of issues that impact farming workplaces. Each podcast episode explores how work-related factors can positively or negatively affect the mental health of farmers, farming families, and farm employees. Not only are podcast speakers topic experts, many of them are also farming experts, with personal experience of grappling with the issue at hand.
The focus is on the prevention of stress and poor mental health and addressing the many factors which affect that – from the glaringly obvious to the more insidious, which can strike unexpectedly. They explore how practical action can be taken to build a mentally-healthy workplace amidst the array of challenges facing farmers.
Tune in to sample some of the subjects covered in their podcasts to date. These include ‘Working Effectively in a Family Business’ and ‘Mentally Preparing for Fire Season’, through to ‘Healthy Ageing on the Farm’ and ‘Strategies for Preventing Bullying in Farm Workplaces’.
Upcoming Campfire conversation topics include ‘Combatting climate change anxiety’ and ‘Digital inclusion and literacy for older farmers’. You can also listen to the podcast or read our regular blogs about building better farming workplaces at https://farmerhealth.org.au/category/campfire-podcast.
New Campfire Conversations are released every fortnight, via the 'National Centre for Farmer Health' channel on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Anchor. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Campfire and the Primary Producer Knowledge Network are led by the National Centre for Farmer Health in collaboration with primary producers, industry stakeholders and researchers from Griffith University, the University of South Australia and Cath Cosgrave Consulting. Campfire is funded by the Victorian Government’s Worksafe WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund.