At Dairy Australia, we focus on enhancing the livelihoods and wellbeing of those in the dairy industry, especially during tough times like droughts. We connect farmers with local support services, offer resources for mental health, and help build resilience through professional development programs.

Farmers are vulnerable to mental and physical health issues, so understanding wellbeing is important at both an individual and industry level. As part of our commitment to the Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, we focus on enhancing the livelihoods and improving the wellbeing of the people in our industry.

We encourage anyone working in the dairy industry to seek help and speak to someone if they feel any impact to their mental health. Organisations such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Headspace all employ professionals who are equipped to speak with farmers affected by mental health concerns.

Additionally, there are regional services that farmers can access to assist them and help them through professional and personal stress/issues, such as the National Centre for Farmers Health, the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

On a professional level, farmers have identified challenges such as more complex workplace rules and safety regulations. They also need better access to information and resources to help manage their employees effectively.

As part of our commitment to the Australia Dairy Sustainability Framework, our goal is to attract, develop and retain a skilled and motivated dairy workforce. Our targets under this goal include:

• To help increase the number of suitable applicants for dairy industry jobs by 30%
• Increase the participation of dairy employees in development activities in education by 50% and 100% for extension activities
• Retain an experienced and motivated workforce by 20%
• That 50% of dairy farmers have a well-developed business transition plan.

Our goals under the Sustainability Framework are guided by a number of international frameworks focused on ensuring decent work practices.

The 2017 Financial Services Royal Commission revealed concerns in terms of the relationship between farmers and financiers and the effects of this on farming communities. While banks are significant investors in farm businesses and reward farmers, the more they can demonstrate confidence, the more positive this is for farmers.

We have developed a range of farm business management programs to help farmers to build skills and knowledge and empower them to best manage their farm business.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the industry and our people, we continually look at ways to help contribute to the resilience of our farmers and regional communities through our programs.