The Victorian Government has announced it will invest in a new all-ability initiative to make farms safer and more inclusive.
Acting Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney today confirmed $25,000 in funding for Ability Agriculture, an organisation which represents people living with a disability and promotes safety initiatives across the agricultural sector.
“We are making Victorian farms safer for people of all abilities – ensuring anyone, no matter their ability, can contribute to our agricultural sector with confidence,” said Minister Tierney.
“National Farmer Safety Week gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of safety and wellbeing in our farming and agriculture sector.”
Ability Agriculture will create an online hub featuring resources and videos highlighting all-abilities modifications farm owners have made to support workers, family members and others.
The hub will feature videos with workers sharing their experiences, along with tips from occupational therapists on how to adapt farms and equipment to support all abilities. It will be available on the Ability Agriculture website, which was launched last year.
The Government has also delivered $44,000 to Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit to better understand the context in which hospital-treated farm injuries occur in Victoria to inform future interventions.
This announcement comes during National Farm Safety Week, 20-26 July, with the Government encouraging rural communities to keep safety and wellbeing front of mind.
To find more information on services, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/drought-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support.
