Cobram Courier 27/02/2008 Page: 11 Page 1 of 2 General News Region: Cobram VIC Circulation: 3218 Type: Regional Size: 403.47 sq.cms --W---- Making healthy farmers Farmers from Strathmerton and sur- of United Dairyfarmers of Victoria. rounding areas attended a Sustainable SustainableFarm Familiesisan Farm Families workshop last week as award-winning initiative of Western Dis- part of a statewide initiative to helptrict Health Service, based in Hamilton, improve the health of local farmers andand is delivered in partnership with the their families. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) The Sustainable Farm Families pro- as part of their longer term drought work. gram aims to develop the knowledge of farmers regarding their own health, with Farmers who have completed the pro- a focus on what practical steps can begram saidit enhanced theiroverall taken to improve the livesof farmhealth with everything from better eating families and the impact this improve-to improved farm safety. ment can deliver to their businesses. Some also found they were able to Participant Phil Gundrill said he sawmake better decisions because they had a the benefit of the workshop. new perspective of how important their "The workshops were excellent and health and families were in their lives. over the two days I certainly learned a lot about my health," he said. All of the participants will return to "We all received a free health assess-complete another two-day workshop in ment and the workshop sessions were12 months time, again receiving a health interactive, and I think everyone enjoyedassessment so they can track their health themselves." indicators over time. Sue Crowther from the Cobram Dis- A second program will be conducted in trict Community Health Centre said thethe Cobram/Katamatite area on May 26 program covered a range of areas includ- and 27. ing cardiovascular disease, cancer, dia- To register your interest please contact betes, women and men's health, stress,Sue Crowther at the Cobram District depression, farm safety, nutrition and Community Health Centre on 5871 0900. exercise. For more information contactthe Farmers who attended came fromWesternDistrictHealthServiceon Katunga, Strathmerton and Yarroweyah5551 8508 or visit www.sustainablefarm districts and became aware of the oppor-families.org.au tunity through the Strathmerton branch Supporting theday: Strathmerton United Dairyfarmers of Victoria representatives Leigh Barry and Phil Gundrill are pictured with David Kennedy (Katunga) and Peter Mazanberg (Yarroweyah). Ref: 34264154 Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licensed copy Cobram Courier 27/02/2008 Page: 11 Page 2 of 2 General News Region: Cobram VIC Circulation: 3218 Type: Regional Size: 403.47 sq.cms --W---- Coordinators: The team behind the Sustainable Farms Family Program include (back from left) Adam Taylor (Western District Health Service), Russell Maher (North Eastern Health), (front from left) Libby Cummins (DPI), Amy Hutchins (Western District Health), program coordinator Sue Crowther (Cobram Community Health) and Jenny Gaylard (Cobram Community Health). Sustainablefamilies: Heath, Nicky and Tilly(five months) Fox learned many new and fascinating facts about life on the farm and health issues at the day. Ref: 34264154 Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licensed copy.