Community comes together for powerful screening of Just a Farmer at the MAC

On Wednesday 26 August, Mansfield Shire Council hosted a special screening of the Australian-made film Just a Farmer at the Mansfield Armchair Cinema (MAC) to foster conversation around mental health and wellbeing in rural communities.

The event was supported through the Look Over the Farm Gate Grant Program from Agriculture Victoria, part of the Victorian Government’s 2025 Drought Support Package, alongside SIAG, Mansfield Shire Council, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the VFF Making Our Farms Safer Project and Let’s Talk Mansfield.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said events that strengthen community connections and support wellbeing are important as the community continues to recover from the 2026 Victorian bushfire season.

“One of the greatest strengths of the Mansfield community is our willingness to stand together and to support each other. Events like this help break down barriers, build understanding and remind people that they are not alone when they face tough times in life,” Mayor Cr Rabie said. 

Produced by farmer and filmmaker Leila McDougall, Just a Farmer explores a range of confronting and important themes including mental health, rural isolation, financial hardship, generational trauma, alcoholism and the vital role of community resilience.

Following the screening, attendees participated in a panel discussion featuring representatives from Let’s Talk Mansfield, Central General Practice, Al Gab from Rural Counselling Australia, Mansfield Shire Council and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. The panel addressed a variety of questions from the audience and provided information on accessing mental health and wellbeing services available within the Mansfield region.

The discussion highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for open and honest conversations about mental health, particularly in rural communities where barriers to seeking support can often be greater.

Bushfire Recovery manager at Mansfield Shire Council, Tamara Watson, said the screening provided an important opportunity for local people to openly discuss mental health and wellbeing.

“The screening of Just a Farmer provided a group of locals the chance to get together and share a meaningful conversation about mental health and wellbeing,” Tamara Watson said.

“We understand that rural communities face unique challenges, and creating safe spaces where people can share experiences and access information is essential.”