Wagga Wagga City Council and 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.
The program is part of the Regional Drought Resilience Plan – a joint plan between Wagga Wagga and Lockhart Councils, co-funded by the NSW Government and the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said 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. 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," Cr Tout said
"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 aka 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 Councillor Peter Sharp is urging community members to attend one or more events organised in this wellbeing program.
"While this program is aimed at mental wellbeing during times of drought, it applies to any times of crisis that farmers may be experiencing, during the summer it was water shortages, now its the availability and cost of diesel fuel that is creating challenges," Cr Sharp said.
"The Weathering Well program is about bringing people from rural communities together so they can talk, share stories, talk about their experiences and know they aren't along in the struggle."
All events are free or low-cost, with catering provided to encourage people to connect and spend time together.
For event details and registrations visit Weathering Well
Weathering Well
Programs and events will be taking place between 28 April - 25 June 2026.
