With a lifelong love of dogs, a passion for rural and regional Australia and a commitment to boosting the resilience and wellbeing for her community, it’s no surprise that Kelly Barnes has made her mark. She’s the recipient of the 2020 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women of the Year Award, which recognises her innovative working dog training school pilot program that sees dogs not just as a tool of the trade, but as a very important companion.
Kelly explains how her program has very personal origins and how it focusses not just on teaching farm dogs new tricks but improving the social and mental health of farmers and her community.
If you want to find out more about Kelly's 'Mates Dog School' find them of Facebook or send her an email at mates@musteringresilience.com.
For mental health and wellbeing support, contact your GP or the National Centre for Farmer Health, visit farmerhealth.org.au/
You can talk to the Lifeline team on 13 11 14. If you, or someone you know needs crisis support, call 000.
Find out more about the opportunities and support available for Victorian rural women through the Victorian Rural Women’s Network: extensionaus.com.au/VRWNetwork/home
Join the Victorian Rural Women’s Network community: facebook.com/VRWNetwork/
Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award: agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award/
