General News
6 June, 2025
Sheedy backs farmers
LEGENDARY AFL figure Kevin Sheedy travelled to south west Victoria last week to lend his support to farmers who are enduring the devastating impacts of an unrelenting drought - one of the worst the region has faced in decades.
Sheedy was guest of honour at a group of local community wellbeing events, including those held in Warrnambool and Noorat, aimed at getting farmers off the farm and providing a vital opportunity to talk, connect, and remind one another: you are not alone.
His visit comes amid increasing calls for urgent drought relief from farmers, industry bodies and local governments.
Key measures being proposed include access to the Disaster Relief Fund, expansion of existing infrastructure support to include fodder and water, emergency rate relief, and exceptional circumstances loans to stabilise farm businesses.
Victoria is the largest food and fibre exporter in Australia, producing 65 per cent of Australia’s milk supply.
It also contributes billions to the state and national economy through its food and fibre exports.
However, this isn’t just a farming problem, this is a national food security emergency affecting supermarket shelves, food prices, and export capacity across the country.
Kevin Sheedy has long been a passionate supporter of Australia’s farming communities.
Over the years, he has stood alongside rural Australians, organising football matches and events during previous droughts to lift spirits and raise awareness.
As a strong advocate for farmers, Sheedy continues to show up when it matters most, helping to shine a light on the resilience and importance of our rural heartland.
Last week free events for farmers and those in the agricultural industry brought together more than 600 people over the two nights.
The events were highlighted by talks from agricultural and mental health professionals, in addition to Sheedy as guest speaker.
The event had been conceptualised by Warrnambool Veterinary Clinic’s Phil Keegan, who has more than 30 years farming background, after seeing the hurt those in the industry were feeling amidst dry conditions.
He worked with likeminded peers, including colleague Dr Glenn Cuzens and NAB’s Brendan Coffey, and quickly found momentum for the events to be held.
“Our goal was just to bring farmers together,” Mr Keegan said.
“I work in agricultural services and I could see that morale was slipping away from farmers, and I felt we needed to do something quickly.
“There’s no rain around – we’re in drought conditions and yet people are drowning in the distress of it all.
“I sent some e-mails out to people saying what I was thinking – that we need to get people together, get them in a room so they can talk to one another, and help share their issues.”
“It just grew from there.”
Mr Keegan said the occasion provided an opportunity for those in the industry to forge new, or strengthen existing, connections while sharing their concerns to find practical solutions.
Industry experts were among those in attendance who could shed light on opportunities to alleviate the hardship being experienced from the practice of farming through to financial and mental health supports available.
“I think when we get some rain and farmers aren’t putting as much fodder out, that’s when the real issues will start,” Mr Keegan said.
“That’s when they’ll look at their books and say goodness we’ve had to spend a lot of money.
“They’ll need financial help, and the bankers I’ve spoken to have say they want to help – from altering interest rates to moving loans out further, but they can only help if they’re approached.
“What farmers need to do, if they are in a difficult financial situation, is go and talk to people involved in their business.
“There’s lots of services which have joined in to be involved.”
Mr Keegan said he was thrilled to see so many businesses involved in agricultural services throwing their support behind the event, highlighting a dedication to supporting farmers through difficult times.
“The part that has probably surprised me is we’d recognised farmers would want to come along, but the response from agricultural services was incredible,” he said.
“They said they’d been thinking something needed to be done but they didn’t know what to do – it’s triggered health services looking to get involved and help out.
“Everyone wanted to find a way to get involved and show their support.”
Mr Keegan said the events were a reminder of how important connection is – something not uncommon in tight-knit farming circles, but also something which can be easily forgotten as pressures mount.
“The farming community is amazing,” he said.
“I was a farmer myself for 30 years and at times you’re battling either dry or wet conditions, and something as simple as a mate picking up the phone or going to the pub to have a chat, or going to a footy game, can make all the difference.
“That’s particularly why I wanted to use the Noorat Recreation Reserve for this event – people are familiar with this ground, and feel safe.”
