A rural chaplain has shared his concern about increasing rates of suicide in rural areas, as Australia's flagship agricultural event gets under way on Tuesday.
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Salvation Army's Rusty Lawson said the organisation continued to offer the basic handouts its funding allowed, but it was not enough and people were at - or beyond - breaking point.
"We can't afford to buy truckloads of grain or hay for people - if you can get it," he said ahead of AgQuip, where the Salvos will have a site.
"Unfortunately the press doesn't report rural suicides now, but there are quite a number of them every day.
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"Some areas more than others, but they are on the increase as times are tightening for a lot of people, and it's crunch time.
"What do we do? We sell everything and walk off the farm or what? A lot of people are getting at that stage now."
Ever-growing concerns about farmers' wellbeing and future in and beyond the current drought have prompted AgQuip organisers to introduce two new features this year.
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The Agriculture, Marketing & Innovation (AIM) Centre will host free workshops and seminars on topics including health, drought help, innovation, trends and hot topics.
And the Rural Relief Precinct will allow rural and regional support groups to share health and safety information, rural aid, food parcels and on-site help to apply for drought assistance.
Australian Community Media Rural Events group manager Kate Nugent said the AgQuip additions reflected a big need.
"Given many parts of Australia and NSW are still in the grip of drought, the call for drought relief assistance, mental health, and general health support and 'smarter' farming methods and technology has never been more keenly heard," Ms Nugent said.
She said the precinct would be a permanent feature of the event, no matter the weather conditions, as there was always something to deal with on the land.
Where to find them
The Rural Relief Precinct is based from sites W33 to Y36, and includes Salvation Army, Centracare, Men's Health Educational Rural Van (MHERV), Variety, Royal Far West, Little Angels, and Old McDonald's Farm to entertain the children.
The AIM Centre can be found at site K-L 25, and sessions start at 10am daily.
"Both elements offer a change of pace, a place where the primary industry and professionals of the land can gather to promote and share common interests," Ms Nugent said.
- Do you need help or someone to talk to? Call Lifeline 13 11 14