FRRR: In a Good Place Grant
Pastoral Community Wellbeing & Resilience Program
June 2025 - June 2026
The Pastoral Community Well-being and Resilience Program has been developed in direct response to feedback received at our November Pastoral forum and the Mental Health First Aid workshop help in October 2024. The program aims to provide targeted support for pastoralists and rural community members facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and physical well-being concerns. By integrating a face-to-face workshop with an interactive online platform, the project will create accessible and sustainable support networks.
Project Objectives
• Reduce social isolation and increase community connection.
• Encourage early intervention and help-seeking behaviours.
• Improve mental resilience and physical well-being among the pastoral and rural community.
• Strengthen local capacity for long-term community-led support initiatives.
Key Activities
• Face-to-Face Workshop (Oct – Dec 2025): A tailored mental health and well-being workshop designed specifically for regional, rural, and remote (RRR) communities. Topics include stress management, positive psychology techniques, and sustainable well-being strategies. Delivered by an experienced facilitator, this session will foster trust, practical skill-building, and open discussions in a safe and supportive environment.
• Online Platform (Launch Dec 2025, Active for 6 Months): A digital hub providing ongoing engagement through live and on-demand resources, group fitness challenges, resilience training, and expert-led discussions. Online training components will be completed by June 2026 to ensure structured learning opportunities.
• Community Engagement & Support Networks: Encouraging continued discussion and connection through group activities, check-ins, and local partnerships with organisations.
​
Community Need & Impact
Pastoral communities in the Gascoyne region face significant challenges due to geographic isolation, climate variability, economic pressures, and limited access to mental health services. The population of approximately 9,500 fluctuates significantly during peak tourism seasons, placing additional strain on local resources. Many pastoralists experience heightened stress, anxiety, and physical health concerns related to their demanding work environments. Evidence from ABARES (2020) indicates that over 60% of pastoralists report financial stress linked to environmental factors, directly impacting their mental well-being.
​​​​​
