HOGG HEADED TO DOWERIN MACHINERY FIELD DAYS
- colinbettles3
- 6 minutes ago
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The 2025 Farmer Mates Mental Health field day series rolls into Western Australia this week at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days, with Aussie cricket great and National Ambassador Brad Hogg joining Grain Producers Australia Chair and local grower Barry Large.
Together they’ll be sparking conversations with WA farmers about the importance of staying connected, looking out for mates and leaning on family and community support, especially as seasonal conditions continue to throw up challenges across the state.
Brad Hogg said he was excited to continue the series at Dowerin.
“Every farm, every season brings different challenges and the best way through is together,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to connecting with growers at Dowerin, hearing their stories, and reminding each other that talking about what is going on is a strength, not a weakness.”
“What I have learned over the past few years is that these chats do not need to be heavy or formal.
“Sometimes it is just about having a laugh, sharing a story, and knowing you have mates around you who get it.”
Wednesday, 27 August – Key Highlights
12:30pm – CGX at Elders (Site PB4) Market, cricket, and Farmer Mates chat with CGX Managing Director Nathan Cattle
2:00pm – Official Field Day Opening Speech, Lionel John Metcalf Pavilion
3:00pm – Farmer Mates chat and signing merch with Bunnings, SafeFarms WA and WAFarmers (Site 88)
Thursday 28 August – Key Highlights
10:00am – GRDC Morning Tea (Site 83–97)
11:30am – Cargill Morning Tea (site 96)
1:00pm – AFGRI (Site 198-201) with Brad Hogg and GPA Chair Barry Large talking seasons, machinery, cricket and wellbeing.
2:30pm – CGX at Elders (Site PB4) Market, cricket, and Farmer Mates chat with CGX Managing Director Nathan Cattle
FMMH is a GPA initiative supported by partners including Nufarm Australia, Lifeline WA, Rural Aid and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The initiative was created by growers for growers, with the aim of starting important conversations, building resilience, and ensuring farmers are better connected to mental health resources.
In addition to the field day series, the FMMH project also includes the Mates Mental Health Toolbox podcast, which brings these conversations from field days and the paddock to a national audience who can listen from the paddock, the shed, or the drive into town.
Mr Large said it was important for the industry to demonstrate leadership with affirmative actions.
“As growers, we all know how tough farming can be,” he said.
“The seasons, the markets, and the pressures on our families and farming communities are real and that’s why we started this initiative four years ago, to help make a difference and keep this conversation front and centre.
“FMMH is about showing that none of us are alone in facing those challenges and by coming together at events like Dowerin, we can have real conversations and remind ourselves of the strength in looking out for one another. I’m looking forward to spending time again with Brad at Dowerin and meeting up with new friends and old ones.
The 2025 Farmer Mates Mental Health Field Day series will also visit:
Yorke Peninsula Field Days – 30 September to 2 October
Elmore Field Days – 7 to 9 October
Last week Brad was interviewed by Channel 10 news reporter, Hugh Riminton, at the SCG, on GPA’s mental health initiative and his passion for mental health, before heading up to AgQuip in Gunnedah, as part of this year’s program.
The story appeared on Ch10 News+ program on Friday night, showcasing the importance of this work that’s helping to make a difference, for farmers and rural communities throughout Australia. HERE
GPA welcomes new partners supporting the Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative. Visit www.grainproducers.com.au for more information and to express an interest.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
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Further Information:
GPA Executive Officer Communications Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193 (including to arrange interviews with Brad)