Specialist Training and Education for Agricultural and Rural Communities

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Holyoake now offers targeted mental health training across regional WA – equipping farmers, families, frontline workers, and industry leaders with the skills to manage stress, support others, and strengthen community resilience as part of the Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package. Free training and education is available across 5 regions – Wheatbelt – Mid West – Goldfields – Great Southern – South West – for individuals and communities involved in agriculture, agribusiness, and their rural communities. Courses and Workshops will support and build skills, confidence, connection and wellbeing:

• Mental Health First Aid Course
• Accidental Counsellor Workshop
• AgriBalance+ Workshop

All education and training sessions are free and facilitated by Jo Drayton – Holyoake’s Specialist Training Coordinator, covering 3 main topics:

Standard Mental Health First Aid Course – 2 days

An evidence-based training program designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to support others experiencing mental health problems, crises or distress. Download Course Information.

Accidental Counsellor Workshop – 1 day

A practical training program designed to equip you in supporting others in distress. Download Course Information.

Agribalance+ Workshop – 1 day

A practical workshop developed exclusively by Holyoake that builds mental health literacy and confidence for anyone involved in Agriculture. Download Course Information.

Holyoake’s Training and Education schedule has been developed as a fluid and responsive enabling service delivery that is adaptable and flexible to respond to emerging risks, shifting priorities, and the identified needs of communities throughout the regions of the Wheatbelt, Mid West, Goldfields, Great Southern and the South West.

2026/27 Training Dates and Locations – Read More.

For more information, complete an Expression of Interest, or to secure your place, contact our Specialist Training Coordinator Jo Drayton

*This initiative will complement the services provided by Rural Aid and the Blue Tree Project, with all partners collaborating to ensure activities respond to local needs and integrate with other regional supports such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

About Rural Aid

Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of farmers, their families and workers, and rural communities. Working alongside those who live and work on the land, Rural Aid delivers practical assistance, such as hay and water deliveries, financial relief and mental health support tailored to the unique challenges of rural Australia. As part of the Community Wellbeing Program in Western Australia, funded by the DPIRD, Rural Aid is expanding counselling services for farmers, faming families, and farm workers impacted by the phase out of the live sheep exports by sea. We offer accessible, confidential mental health support, delivered by qualified rural-experienced counsellors. These services are designed to meet people where they are, supporting individuals, families and communities through tough times.

About Blue Tree Project

Blue Tree Project will build mental health awareness and strengthen community connection through a series of local events. Designed with regional and farming communities in mind, these events respond to the unique pressures of climate challenges, succession planning, policy change and rising living costs. Communities will come together through engaging events, hear inspiring stories, gain practical tools to support mental wellbeing, connect with trained professionals, and access free resources and goods.

The Community Wellbeing Program is funded through the Australian Government’s Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package and administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Contact our team today Refer a client