The ‘Love Life’ wellbeing marquee will be buzzing with excitement as people from around the region gather for the second Upper Murray Agricultural Field days to be held in Corryong on April 12th and 13th, 2023.
The event is being organised by Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) to promote wellbeing and encourage field days’ goers to “love their life.”
The wellbeing marquee will be hosting a range of creative workshops for adults and children’s activities as well as providing a ‘soapbox’ for short talks on a range of topics to support people to ‘Love Life’, when they are facing challenges.
“We know that farmers face unique challenges when it comes to their mental physical health,” said Jodie Lucas, Senior Community Recovery Officer (ERV).
“Our goal with the Love Life Wellbeing Marquee is to provide a safe and supportive space for connection both with services and each other to improve access to resources that help them thrive.”
Partner agencies such as New Access, Beyond Blue with their outreach bus, Hume Riverina Community Legal Service, Gateway Health, Upper Murray Family Care, the Orange Door, Thrive and Rural Aid Victoria plus many more will be in attendance across the two days.
Regional Arts Victoria is sponsoring Kylie Biltris from Art Starts Here to provide creative workshops including silk scarf marbling and resin serving board making as well as ink coffee cup designing.
They will also host MC, Adrian ‘Oz’ Osbourne who will muster the talent and entertain crowds and create roving caricatures.
Thea and Tom Newton from Art of the Upper Murray (Artum) will present ‘The Art of Propagation’.
The workshops will be popular with participants excited to take their unique pieces home.
Fun and creativity for children has not been forgotten with a program of creative workshops and activities available at a dedicated ‘Children’s Corner’.
Parents will be delighted to see their children learning about self-care and being engaged in a fun way and co-ordinated by the Australian Childhood Foundation with support from Gateway Health’s parenting team and Upper Murray Family Care.
The Upper Murray Youth Group, a team of talented and enthusiastic young people, has designed a colourful banner to help the marquee stand out amid the hustle and bustle of the event.
In addition to fun and engaging workshops and activities, there will be a ‘soapbox’ of short talks at the marquee for individuals can listen to.
There will be interesting sessions from agencies including Elder Rights Advocacy, Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults, Ovens Murray Primary Health Unit and others.
Hosted by local suicide prevention networking group Thrive is special guest Warren Davies ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’.
Warren has become an inspiration to many farmers across the country.
He will be speaking about his own mental health journey and how he overcame adversity.
“His story is inspirational and it is hoped it will encourage visitors to the marquee to take care of their mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Lucas said.
“His focus is on the importance of persistence, determination and leader-ship in building resilience. Powerful and uplifting, his words will leave his audience feeling motivated and are not to be missed.”
The Pangarang Community Hub, a mobile hub which can be deployed to relief centres to support recovery and resilience through social connection programs and activities, will also be in attendance.
Services Australia will be present to provide valuable information in particular their financial services.
Overall, the Love Life Wellbeing Marquee promises to be a valuable resource for locals, farmers and their families looking to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
The event is a testament to the community’s strength and resilience and the ability to work together to overcome challenges.
Bringing together different organisations and individuals with a shared commitment is sure to be a huge success.
This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 23 March 2023.
