Let's Talk About Mental Health

Queensland Mental Health Week 5-13 October 2024

Supported in the workplace by Irrigation Australia.

There are lots of good things that come out of Queensland which we like to share with the nation, to name a few let’s start with the champion AFL Football Team – Brisbane Lions, the Big Pineapple, TIACS and QLD Mental Health Week.

At Irrigation Australia we would like to share with everyone another true champion with similar workplace values when it comes to Mental Health. Please follow the link below to watch a moving video, courtesy of Work Safe Queensland, of Hayley Lewis OAM - QLD Mental Health Ambassador. Her message is relevant to all of us in the irrigation and rural sectors.

Hayley Lewis is a former Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion who now promotes mental health awareness across the state of Queensland. Hayley knows the importance of speaking up and seeking support when facing challenges, she draws on her own experiences to encourage others to do the same.

Working in rural settings often means dealing with isolation, long hours of work and travel, demanding conditions - all factors that can impact our mental health and well-being. Hayley emphasises the value of creating mentally healthy environments and the power of open conversations about mental health.

By fostering a supportive culture, workers in the irrigation industry and rural sector can help each other thrive, ensuring their mental health is as strong as their work ethic. Our mates at TIACS suggest you don’t keep it under your hat, text or call them and clear your head with professional mental health counselling (by the way TIACS is confidential and free).

Whether it's acknowledging stress, burnout, or simply reaching out to a coworker with a simple "how ya doing mate?", these small actions can make a big difference. Remember, taking care of your mental health isn't a weakness - it's a strength that helps everyone work better and stay safe.

Helpful contacts and links:

TIACS - 0488 846 988 - https://www.tiacs.org/

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/