The Just a Farmer screening drew over 50 attendees to the picturesque hillside, fostering an evening rich in connection and thoughtful conversation.
The Australian film, created to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by farming families, set the tone for a weekend that celebrated empathy, awareness and community resilience.
Following the film, writer and director Leila McDougall joined attendees for an intimate Q and A, reflecting on the importance of storytelling and community in fostering hope and understanding.
On Sunday, the energy continued with A Day in the Hills, a wholesome and heart-led community day attended by over 190 locals.
Families, friends and neighbours gathered to enjoy live music, local food and drinks, kids’ activities, wellbeing activations and community exhibits.
Set among the rolling hills of Dookie, the day provided a chance for people to slow down and reconnect before the busy harvest season.
Delivered by Fruit Growers Victoria at Rye at Tallis, the weekend of events was proudly supported by a Look Over the Farm Gate Community Grant, provided by the National Centre for Farmer Health under the Victorian Government’s 2025 Drought Support Package, and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal through the In a Good Place grant program.
Event co-ordinator Hannah Harmer, of Rye at Tallis, said both events were designed to create meaningful opportunities for rural people to gather and feel supported.
“These events were about creating moments of connection. Reminding people that they’re not alone and that community truly matters,” Mrs Harmer said.
“Seeing both events sell out and feeling the energy on the hill across the weekend was something really special.”
A Day in the Hills featured exhibitors and community partners including Fruit Growers Victoria, AG Warehouse, O’Connors Farm Machinery, Rabobank, Goulburn Drought Resilience Plan Implementation Group, Fat Farmers, GBCMA, Dairy Australia, Victoria Police, CFA, Wellsprings Shepparton, Headspace Shepparton and more.
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