Past Projects

Supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal through the In a Good Place program, this project enabled GPRI to continue important conversations about mental health and wellbeing within the pastoral community.

The project was developed directly in response to feedback received from pastoral families through GPRI’s 2024 Mental Health First Aid workshop and Annual Pastoral Forum. Participants identified a need for continued support that was practical, locally relevant and better connected to the realities of living, working and operating a business in a remote pastoral environment.

Through the project, GPRI provided opportunities for pastoralists and their families to explore wellbeing, communication, resilience and the pressures that can affect individuals, families and businesses.

Activities included a dedicated pastoral wellbeing session at the GPRI Annual Pastoral Forum, practical discussions about communication within families and businesses, and continued awareness through GPRI’s website and social media channels.

Feedback from activities reinforced the value of including wellbeing within established pastoral events. Participants appreciated the practical and relatable approach, along with the opportunity to have open conversations in a familiar and supportive environment. The sessions also highlighted the strong connection between personal wellbeing, family communication and the ability to manage challenges within a pastoral business.

The project recognised that strong pastoral businesses rely on strong people. By incorporating wellbeing into trusted events and regional networks, GPRI helped create space for important conversations, stronger connections and greater confidence to navigate pressure, change and difficult decisions.

Although the funded project is now complete, GPRI will continue to build on the feedback, relationships and lessons developed through the project. This will help guide future activities supporting the wellbeing and resilience of pastoral families across the Gascoyne and Pilbara.

This project was supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal through the In a Good Place program.