Let’s look after each other. Times like these remind us of the strength and resilience in our rural communities. Please check in on your neighbours, share this information widely, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
A range of counselling, support and information services are available to help you and your loved ones.
If you or someone close to you is feeling distressed or needs immediate help:
- contact your local GP
- call Lifeline on 13 11 14
- call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- in an emergency, dial 000 (Triple Zero)
- visit Trauma recovery services | Better Health Channel
Support for children and young people
- Headspace counselling for ages 12–25: 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline for children and young people: 1800 551 800
You can also register for the Emergency Recovery Support Program by calling 1800 560 760. This service assists individuals and families after major emergencies, offering guidance when the next steps may feel unclear.
Goulburn Valley Mental Health Service
24/7 mental health crisis support.
Ph 1300 369 005
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local (Strathbogie, Greater Shepparton, Moira)
Free, no-referral outreach services for anyone aged 26 and over.
Ph 1300 000 559 or betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Rural Aid
Wellbeing support, counselling, and practical assistance for farming families.
Ph 1300 175 594 or ruralaid.org.au
Emergency Recovery Hotline
The Emergency Recovery Support Program helps people and families after a major emergency. They can help you with things like health and wellbeing, financial advice and assistance, finding local services, insurance and legal questions, and registering for government services. Learn more about the Emergency Recovery Support Program.
Ph 1800 560 760
(Press 9 for an interpreter or call Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450).
National Centre for Farmer Health
The National Centre for Farmer Health provides a range of mental health supports for Victorian farmers and farming communities. This includes:
- distributing mental health resources and support information
- the Managing Stress on the Farm handbook, which explains common stress factors on farms and suggests practical solutions
- a new mental health hub designed specifically for farmers: farmerhealth.org.au/support-hub-victoria
Support for farm businesses
Farms and small businesses can access tailored recovery and financial support, such as:
- free and confidential one‑on‑one business advice
- access to Small Business Financial Counselling program
- support with cashflow stress and planning for recovery
These services focus on building long‑term resilience in farming operations.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provides additional support, offering both financial counselling and wellbeing assistance.
RFCS can help you:
- develop healthy ways to deal with stress
- recognise early signs of poor health in yourself or your workers
- strengthen your support network
- connect with community groups and activities
- access health professionals through referrals
Call 1300 735 578 or visit the RFCS website to learn more.
Agriculture Victoria
Support is here for farmers, families, and rural communities feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Agriculture Victoria provides a range of links to mental health and wellbeing and support programs.
Dr Rob Gordon and David Younger share insights on community resilience, wellbeing, and recovery
See the two videos below, recorded at a community event on 11 February 2026. The event featured leading experts in mental health and trauma recovery, Dr Rob Gordon and David Younger, who shared insights on community resilience, wellbeing, and recovery.
Dr Rob Gordon – Clinical psychologist and trauma recovery expert with nearly 40 years’ experience supporting individuals and communities after disasters.
David Younger – Clinical psychologist and national disaster consultant with more than 15 years’ experience working alongside communities and organisations.