Fonterra brings mental health conversation to Devonport
Fonterra Oceania’s commitment to mental wellbeing was on full display at the Devonport Country Club last month, where a packed room of more than 100 locals, sporting clubs, and mental health groups gathered for Fonterra’s Healthy Minds Community Forum.
Hosted by AFL great, mental health advocate, and founder of PukaUp, Wayne Schwass, the event offered a powerful and personal perspective on mental health, open to all across northern Tasmania. Wayne shared his own journey, highlighting the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing and equipping the audience with practical tools to support themselves and others.
It was a packed house in Devonport's Country Club, where more than 100 community members joined to hear from Wayne Schwass on the importance of mental health.
“Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We all have a role to play in creating environments where people feel safe to speak up,” Wayne said.
Rural Alive and Well (RAW) Chief Executive Officer Lee Whiteley also spoke at the event, sharing the vital work RAW does in Tasmania to support mental health in rural communities. Central to RAW’s work is support from partners, which includes Fonterra Oceania; a member of the Friends of RAW network.
“Events like Healthy Minds are so important for our communities, particularly in rural areas. Getting the community together, to share stories, strategies and the resources that are available to support our mental health is vital.
"It was fantastic to share a united message with one of our football greats, Wayne, to help break down the stigma and tackle mental health together in the Devonport community,” Lee said.
About Healthy Minds
Fonterra Oceania’s Healthy Minds programme launched in 2020, with the goal to help reduce stigma associated with mental health. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to foster open conversations, and provide meaningful support to employees, farmers, and the communities where Fonterra operates.
"Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We all have a role to play in creating environments where people feel safe to speak up."
Fonterra has held free mental health forums at all its sites across Victoria and Tasmania, and also held community forums in northern and southwest Victoria, and Gippsland.
Fonterra Oceania Director of Operations and Supply Chain Rob Howell said Wayne Schwass had been at the heart of this program for the last five years.
“At the heart of this programme is Wayne, whose courage and leadership have helped shape a culture where mental health is taken seriously.
“His story continues to inspire our people and our communities,” Rob said.
The Devonport forum followed on from site-based events held at Fonterra’s Wynyard and Spreyton facilities, reinforcing our ongoing efforts across Australia and New Zealand to promote mental wellbeing.
Fonterra Oceania Director of Operations and Supply Chain Rob Howell and Fonterra Wynyard Site Manager Kevin Brown with Wayne Schwass.
Need to talk to someone?
If you, or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for support.
Australia:
- RAW (Tasmania only): 1800 RAW TAS or rawtas.com.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
New Zealand:
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666.
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
- Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).