Convoy drives awareness of farmer mental health in Western Australia
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Dan Sutherland, a resident of Perth, organised the West Coast Long Drive, a convoy of vintage LandCruisers, to support farmers in Western Australia and raise awareness of their mental health challenges.
The group travelled for eight days through the Wheatbelt and Gascoyne regions, stopping in rural towns to connect with farmers and others in the agricultural community.
Sutherland was inspired to create the event after participating in a similar drive in Queensland while managing his own mental health, and recognising the struggles faced by farmers. The convoy aimed to spark conversations and reduce the stigma around seeking help, as many farmers feel isolated and undervalued. Along the route, the West Coast Long Drivers collected nearly $40,000 for Farm Angels, a charity that supports farmers.
A 2026 National Farmer Wellbeing Report found that more than half of farmers experienced depression in the past two years, and over 90 percent felt undervalued by the public. Farmer Arran Teakle, who participated in the drive, shared that the event helped him connect with support networks and discuss the pressures of farming, including recent challenges like Cyclone Seroja, mouse plagues, and unpredictable weather.
Teakle also highlighted the impact of policy decisions, such as live export bans and visa cancellations, on farmer wellbeing, and the importance of public support. The West Coast Long Drivers plan to expand the event next year.
