The most powerful impact of the Be the Ripple in the Wave project was its ability to spark real conversations about mental health in a community deeply affected by years of cumulative stress. Thanks to a $20,000 In a Good Place grant, supported by the Farmer Funders Collective, which includes Macdoch Foundation, people across the Texas region, on the QLD / NSW border, began opening up, checking in on neighbours, reaching out for help and reconnecting with community life. In a place where stigma and isolation have previously stood in the way of wellbeing, this project is helping to create the conditions for change.
The Texas district has weathered drought, floods, fire, economic uncertainty and the social fallout of COVID lockdowns and border closures, with very little time to recover between crises. For farming families and small business owners already grappling with fluctuating commodity prices, rising costs and limited access to health services, the cumulative toll was apparent. Many people were mentally drained, disengaged from community life and unsure where to turn for support.
Texas and District Drought Support (TADDS), a volunteer-led organisation of farmers and local business owners, recognised the need for a grassroots response that could meet people where they were, both physically and emotionally. With FRRR’s funding, TADDS delivered a series of mental health workshops and community events featuring Warren Davies, “The Unbreakable Farmer,” along with local health professionals, service providers and other guest speakers.
Events were held both in town and on-farm to ensure participation from those who didn’t want or weren’t able to travel. These gatherings provided a safe, welcoming environment where people could share a meal, listen to relatable speakers, learn practical tools for resilience or quietly explore support options without judgement.
TADDS Secretary, Amanda Jane Croft, said, “It was incredible and a privilege to sit on the outskirts of conversations, listening to people open up and share their own mental health journeys after listening to Warren Davies share his own.”
The ripple effect was immediate. Conversations flowed at the events as well as in homes, workplaces and paddocks afterwards. People who were unable to attend still approached TADDS members to talk about their own mental health challenges, prompted simply by seeing the event advertising. A Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) facilitator who attended every session reported that several participants later reached out for support.
The project also helped rebuild social connection, with many people attending a farm-based event who hadn’t participated in community activities for years. Community organisations rallied behind the initiative, contributing venues, meals and local support. Surveys showed participants left with greater awareness of mental health services, reduced stigma and a renewed appreciation for the value of coming together. TADDS also reported that there was an increase in numbers for their weekly hub meeting where people come for “a cuppa and a chat”.
While there were challenges – such as securing commitments from hosting partners and encouraging attendance – TADDS viewed even the small wins as meaningful.
Ultimately, Be the Ripple in the Wave has helped to re-energise community connection and reinforce that no one needs to face hardship alone. Through local leadership and relatable storytelling, the Texas region is now better equipped to navigate future challenges with strength and solidarity.