Wagga Wagga City Council, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, are proud to launch the Weathering Well program; a series of community events, training and workshops designed to help strengthen mental health and wellbeing in our rural communities across the Wagga Wagga and Lockhart Shire local government areas.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Dallas Tout said taking care of our mental health is important and this program has been designed with the unique challenges of rural life in mind.

“Winter can be a tough time in rural areas, especially for businesses and families," Cr Trout said.

"Weathering Well is about creating welcoming spaces where people can come together to have real conversations about mental health and find the support they need.

“The aim is for people leave these events feeling more confident to look out for their own wellbeing, their loved ones and the people around them.”

The program includes a mix of speakers with mental health lived-experience, live music events and practical training opportunities across the region.

Highlights include Warren Davies (The Unbreakable Farmer), one of Australia’s leading rural mental health speakers, live music events featuring Australian Idol 2024 winner Dylan Wright and folk-rock duo Sunday Lemonade bringing communities together in Uranquinty, Lockhart, Wagga Wagga and The Rock.

Mental health service providers will be present at these family-friendly event to provide advice.

Community members will also be able to access free and low-cost accredited training such as Mental Health First Aid training, SafeTALK suicide prevention workshops, and wellbeing sessions.

Lockhart Shire Mayor Peter Sharp is urging community members to attend one or more events organised in this wellbeing program.

“Rural communities are incredibly resilient, but resilience doesn’t mean people have to face challenges on their own,” Cr Sharp said.

“The Weathering Well program is about bringing people together, strengthening connections and supporting the wellbeing of our communities.”

All events are free or low-cost, with catering provided to encourage people to connect and spend time together.

This program is led by Wagga Wagga City Council in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council and jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW government.

For full event details and registrations visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/weatheringwell