The events are held thanks to major sponsors Fruit Growers Victoria, Look Over the Farm Gate (National Centre for Farmer Health) and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.
The first is on Friday, October 3.
It will feature a free screening of Just A Farmer followed by a Q&A with producer Leila McDougall.
There will be a roast dinner provided, with drinks at bar prices.
From 6pm to 9.30pm at Rye at Tallis, Dookie Hills
Tickets are free, but booking is essential. Over-18s only.
Just A Farmer is an award-winning Australian drama that explores the mental health struggles faced by farming families.
Written, produced and led by Ms McDougall, the film has received international acclaim and is touring regional Australia as part of a national mental health movement.
This exclusive free community screening will be followed by a live Q&A with Ms McDougall, giving audiences the chance to reflect and connect through storytelling.
“This film is not just about telling a story — it’s about starting conversations that are long overdue,” Ms McDougall said.
“It’s time we stop telling farmers to be resilient and start showing them the empathy and support they deserve.”
Guests will enjoy a comforting roast dinner in the hilltop setting of Rye at Tallis, with drinks available at bar prices. Bookings are essential and strictly limited.
Please register via events.humanitix.com/just-a-farmer-movie-screening/
The second event is A Day in the Hills.
It will be held on Sunday, October 5 from 11am to 5pm, also at Rye at Tallis, Dookie Hills.
Tickets are $22 per adult, with children free.
Farming families and rural locals are invited to a heartwarming community gathering: A Day in the Hills.
Designed as a relaxed and welcoming day out, the event will provide guests with the opportunity to reconnect with neighbours, access practical health and wellbeing resources, and take a well-earned pause.
From wood-fired pizzas by Rye at Tallis and acoustic music by Nigel Parsons to free health checks, pampering area with massages, mini make-up glow-ups, hair dos and a full kids’ zone, the event will be a great day out for all.
Each adult ticket includes access to food, entertainment, a goodie bag and lucky dip prizes.
Children attend free, with kids’ meals and activities provided. The event will run rain, hail or shine, with plenty of indoor and outdoor undercover areas.
The event will also feature:
- Health checks and wellbeing hub.
- Exhibits from AgBiz Assist, Goulburn Murray Water, Rural Finance, O’Connors and more.
- Goodie bags, lucky dips and drinks at bar prices.
“At its core, A Day in the Hills is about creating space for real connection,” organiser Sarah Hardwick said on behalf of Fruit Growers Victoria
“We know how vital social connection is to mental wellbeing, especially for those on the land. This is a day to slow down, reconnect and feel seen.”
A Day in the Hills registration details: due to limited capacity, tickets are released in two stages:
• Stage One: Farmers and farming families:
Available now, until Sunday, September 14.
• Stage Two – Rural community members:
Available from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 29
Register via ryeattallis.com.au/a-day-in-the-hills
