A FREE screening of Australian film Just A Farmer will be held at Gloucester Bowling Club on Wednesday, 14 October at 6pm, encouraging conversations about mental health and suicide in rural communities.
The screening is an initiative of Buckett’s of Pride Gloucester, together with Beyond Blue and local sponsors.
Created by farmer and filmmaker Leila McDougall, Just a Farmer explores the pressures of farming life, family relationships and the far-reaching effects of mental ill-health.
The film was chosen because mental health challenges could affect anyone, while people in rural communities often faced additional pressures.
“Mental health does not discriminate,” Buckett’s of Pride president, Madonna O’Brien said.
“In rural communities like ours, the challenges of isolation, financial strain and the emotional weight of running a farm can be overwhelming.
“By screening Just a Farmer, we are giving rural families a voice and providing a safe space to talk about something that is often too hard to raise directly.”
For Ms O’Brien, the film’s message is deeply personal.
“If the message this film brings can save one family from the pain of losing a loved one to suicide – the pain I experience every day after losing my only son, Danny – I will be grateful,” she said.
Ms O’Brien said the film offered a safe starting point for difficult conversations across Gloucester’s diverse community, including farming families, young people and LGBTQIA+ residents.
“This isn’t just another movie; it’s a chance to ignite important conversations about mental health, reduce stigma and build community resilience,” she said.
The screening also supports Buckett’s of Pride’s longer-term goal of establishing a local drop-in centre, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to find mental health support.
The organisation continues the vision of founder David Snowdon, known as “The Queen of Gloucester”, who believed no child should endure the bullying he experienced and that everyone should have access to support.
Following the film, audience members can join a question-and-answer session with representatives from the Rural Adversity Mental Health team and other panellists. Information about support services will also be available.
The event is free and bookings are not required. Those planning to attend are encouraged to email buckettsofpride@gmail.com, message the Buckett’s of Pride Gloucester Facebook page or call 0499 045 454 to help organisers arrange seating.
A donation box will support Buckett’s of Pride’s work to bring more services to Gloucester.
If this story raises concerns for you or someone you know, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
By Sonja DUNCAN
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