Free Support Services for Regional Women
Women's Health and Equality Queensland (WHEQ) will attend FarmFest in Toowoomba from 2nd to 4th June 2026. The event allows them to connect with women and girls from regional Queensland while promoting their free 1800 4 WOMEN counselling and support service.
The 1800 4 WOMEN service provides free, confidential assistance for mental health challenges, domestic and family violence recovery, and everyday difficulties. It is accessible to all women across Queensland.
According to a 2024 Liptember study, nearly half of women in regional Queensland experience depression or generalised anxiety. Family and domestic violence are leading contributors to the disease burden for women aged 14–44.
Balveen Ajimal, CEO of WHEQ, said, “FarmFest is a valuable opportunity to reach regional women. We want to share information about our free 1800 4 WOMEN counselling service, available to women in every Queensland community.”
Addressing Mental Health Barriers
Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, only 48% of women seek help. Barriers include the belief they can manage alone, financial concerns, and not viewing their issues as serious enough. Stigma in regional areas often worsens these challenges.
Bianca Blackmore, WHEQ Health Promotion Team Leader, said, “We want to hear what women and girls in the community need and how we can make our services more accessible and better targeted.”
WHEQ will host an information stall at Elders FarmFest, located at Kingsthorpe Park, Toowoomba. They aim to provide resources and engage with attendees, offering valuable support and information.
The organisation plans to use the event not only to disseminate information but also to gather insights directly from women and girls about their needs. This approach will help enhance the accessibility and targeting of their services in regional communities.
As Queensland’s biggest primary industry event, FarmFest serves as a platform for WHEQ to reach out to women and girls in farming communities. By participating, WHEQ aims to bridge the gap in health and well-being services available to these women.
