Open letter to the community of Northern Grampians Shire

Published on 09 September 2026

Northern Grampians Shire is a region rich in history, culture and community. 

We are a group of proud townships with multi-generational residents who have grit and determination.   

We understand these are trying times for our shire and the people who call it home. We feel it too.  

Our farming community in particular is facing tough challenges. Rising costs. Extreme weather conditions. Impact on their land and livelihood.  

It is here that council finds itself in a tough position.  

In the middle of a complex and sensitive debate, we are here to represent our municipality, advocate on behalf of our residents, and seek fair and equitable outcomes that help our people thrive and our region prosper. 

This is what we have been doing for our farmers. We have raised countless concerns about the number and nature of complex stressors facing our farming community and the potential consequences should governments do nothing.  

Stemming from this advocacy is funding that has been provided for a dedicated mental health program specifically for our farming community. It's called Farmgate Conversations and it is funded by VicGrid, the state authority responsible for planning and developing the electricity transmission network and Victoria’s transition to renewable energy. 

Council understands there will be concerns surrounding the source of the funding, and we hear those concerns loud and clear. However, we believe targeted mental health support for the farming community during these difficult and uncertain times is paramount.   

The State Government funds many different council and community-run services. We cannot control funding sources or how council receives support for programs such as this, however our advocacy efforts have been heard and action has been taken.  

Grampians Community Health will deliver the Farmgate Conversations program with more information available over the coming weeks. 

While Grampians Community Health is providing the service with funding from VicGrid, they retain full independence with how the service is designed, operated and delivered.  

The funding enables Grampians Community Health to respond to community needs by using its established expertise and trusted local relationships that are focused on supporting the wellbeing of our local communities.  

It will be free, entirely confidential and aided by a dedicated individual to ensure consistency of care. 

Council also acknowledges and respects that some people will not want to access the program. This is why we will continue to share information about other valuable support services and resources available. 

For now, we encourage our community to remember that the people who are at the centre of this program include our families, friends and neighbours. Let's communicate with care and consideration. 

Further information about the different mental health services available to our community, along with other helpful resources, can be found on our website, here: ngshire.vic.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The following aims to clarify some of the common questions people may have after reading the above letter.