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Salvation Army Rural Support Worker and Chaplain John Cartwright’s car has clocked about 185,000 kilometres in three years from his efforts to support the region’s farmers.
The 72-year-old estimates he traverses about 200 to 250 kilometres per work day.
Flicking through his diary, he picks a day at random – June 29 – and reads through his notes.
He visited 10 farming families that day.
Who they are, and the reasons for the support, is confidential.
“If they want to talk, I’m there – that is the job,” Mr Cartwright said.
“I can stay there all day – it all depends on what they need.”
Trust is critical to his work, and in the nine years he’s been performing this role, he has come to be considered a part of some of the farmers’ families.
Many of Mr Cartwright’s clients have been hard-hit by droughts and floods for about a decade, hardships compounded by the milk price.
Some aren’t doing too badly. But, after generations of farming, there are families walking off the land or ceasing business because of financial strain.
“The worst part is not knowing if people are going to be there when I come back,” Mr Cartwright said.
That worry presents itself occasionally, but “not too much.”
Mr Cartwright said suicide was an issue in the farming community, but could not provide figures.
“There is more than what is spoken about,” he said.
“A lot of it is the younger farmers.”
He believes some farmers who have inherited properties that have been in the family for lifetimes feel guilty about the way the business has been going.
“It’s not their fault, it’s the weather,” Mr Cartwright said.
In some instances, the next generation is too young to remember a time when business was good.
During his visits, Mr Cartwright delivers care packages prepared with the support from the East Loddon Community Network Group.
Growing demand has seen the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Bendigo Northern Group provide additional assistance.
Members will be collecting donations to fill packages, of which Mr Cartwright delivers up to 30 a week.
They will be stationed outside Woolworths at Bendigo Marketplace from 9am until 6pm today to Thursday, from 10am until 6pm on Friday, and from 10am until 4pm at the weekend.
A one-hour Food 4 Dairy Farmers event at the marketplace from 1.30pm on October 6 will also support the initiative.
Tickets are $21 and can be purchased online or at the stall outside Woolworths.
A raffle, with more than a 40 prizes, will be held on the day.
If you or someone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Headspace on 1800 650 890.
If you are in an emergency situation, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself, please contact emergency services on 000.