Farmers get a night off

FARMERS from across the region were invited to mix, connect and relax on Monday night at the new Ballarat Showgrounds.

A free initiative of the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society in partnership with Commerce Ballarat, the Farmer’s Night Off offered a barbecue and drinks, a talk from The Unbreakable Farmer Warren Davies, live music from Billy and Issac Menhennet, children’s entertainment including Western Bulldogs and Art Gallery of Ballarat activities, and a roving magician, and some door prizes at the end of the evening.

The event was run to support the farming community as they face the challenges of drought, increased costs and taxes.

Mr Davies offered three key lessons that he had learnt throughout the trials of being a farmer.

“Communication is key,” he said. “We need to have tough conversations to support eachother.

“We’ve got to stay connected. Isolation is the biggest killer in our community.

“Seek help and make sure you’re there to support people who are struggling.”

Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society joint president Kerri Gallagher said it would be a busy week at the showgrounds with more than 500 sheep arriving for the Victorian Sheep Show.

“It’s our first big agricultural event that we’re hosting,” she said. “The shed will be transformed into a massive sheep show.

“We’ve also got the Ballarat Rural Achievement Awards coming up in August.”