SafeWork NSW is hosting a free ‘Chat and Create’ event in Port Macquarie on Thursday 23 May for women in the agricultural industry, to give women a chance to network with like-minded agricultural businesses and workers to share their experiences about what it means to be safe on farms.
Farmers and workers in agricultural workplaces continue to be seriously injured and killed at higher rates than other industry sectors, with farming accounting for one in five worker deaths across the state.
SafeWork’s ‘Chat and Create’ event is an exciting day of creating art while SafeWork representatives discuss safety issues specific to farming and agricultural businesses.
Staying safe at work also includes being aware of your, and your workers, mental health. Sadly, suicide and depression are more common among farmers than the general population due to a unique set of working pressures, including increased financial pressures and isolation.
Members of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) are in attendance providing mental health education and linking attendees with services if required, while the NSW Rural Women’s Network will share resources and initiatives as well as links to services.
The NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Resource hub aims to provide support in areas such as cost of living, employment, training and career support, health and wellbeing, and recreational and social connections.
Details on the event can be found here: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/events/safework-events/port-macquarie-chat-and-create-2024
Quotes to be attributed to Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin:
“Women are involved in the success of the agricultural industry more than ever. ‘Chat and Create’ aims at further empowering agricultural managers and workers to take a leading role in creating a safe working environment.
“This is a great opportunity for women in agriculture in the Port Macquarie area to share ideas and connect, while building on their knowledge of work, health and safety to improve farm practices in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”
