Elders Joins Breakthrough to Strengthen Mental Health in Regional Communities
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is proud to announce a new two-year partnership with Elders, a trusted name in Australian agriculture since 1839. This collaboration will help deliver much-needed mental health support across regional South Australia, bringing Breakthrough’s evidence-based wellbeing programs directly to the communities who need them most.
With a national footprint and deep connections in rural Australia, Elders has long supported farmers and regional families through the highs and lows of life on the land. By partnering with Breakthrough, they’re helping extend our mission: to create a life free from mental illness, no matter where you live.
Building Resilience Through Drought and Beyond
Drought continues to devastate many South Australian farming communities, ruining crops, depleting feed, and placing enormous stress on mental health and family wellbeing. In response, Breakthrough is delivering a series of targeted events and training sessions in partnership with Elders, funded through the South Australian Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package via the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), along with additional Breakthrough partners West End and Adelaide Football League.
Together, our mental health-focused events will include:
7 Mate’s Meals and Mental Health community dinners
7 Women’s events ‘Fill Your Silo: Navigating the tough season,’ co–hosted with farming Psychologist Steph Schmidt
7 accredited Mental Health First Aid training courses
These events will reach 10 key regional towns including Peterborough, Burra, Cummins, Streaky Bay, Minlaton, Mallee, Murray Bridge, Loxton, Naracoorte, and Penola.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
Elders is more than a service provider; they are part of the fabric of regional Australia. With a national network and deep roots in rural communities, Elders provides expert support in everything from agronomy and livestock trading to farm supplies, real estate, and financial services. Through this partnership, they are reinforcing their long-standing commitment to rural wellbeing, not just in production, but in people.
“Elders is more than a name in Australian agriculture; they’re a trusted thread in the fabric of our rural communities. With Elders by our side, we’re not just reaching farmers, we’re walking with them, in their towns, at their tables, breaking down stigma and building a stronger future. This partnership represents the very best of what’s possible when community, compassion and evidence-based action come together.”
– John Mannion, CEO, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation
Bernard Seal, Elders General Manager South Australia, says: “Partnering with Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is an opportunity to bring our communities together, especially in our regional and rural areas who have been deeply impacted by drought. Connection and support in these areas are more vital than ever.
We recognise the tough times many have faced, and we’re committed to providing opportunities where people can learn the skills to manage their own wellbeing and identify warning signs to support their friends, families, and those around them.
We’re proud to partner with Breakthrough to further expand their programs across South Australia, and potentially beyond, ensuring more people are having an opportunity to have a conversation and access the tools that make a real difference.”
Championing mental health in rural communities
Together, Breakthrough and Elders are championing mental health in rural communities and embedding prevention, education, and early intervention programs in the heart of farming communities.
Launched in July 2025, this partnership reflects a shared belief: that no one should face mental illness alone and that by working together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for regional Australia.
