Photo caption: Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joined the Inverell Retired Farmers Group yesterday for a catch up and chat about issues across the district.
Wednesday, 28 February 2024
THE Inverell Retired Farmers Group received a special visit for their February gathering, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall yesterday calling into the Inverell RSM Club for a cuppa and a yarn with the 20-strong group.
The NSW Farmers-run Retired Farmers Group has been operating for a few years and Mr Marshall said it was great to see the innovative program helping members of the community to remain socially connected.
“They say farming is not a job but a lifestyle, which is why it’s so great to see this group supporting former primary producers with life after the land,” Mr Marshall said.
“On the last Tuesday of every month this group of like-minded, predominantly graziers, come together to shoot-the-breeze and reminisce about old times.
“One of the biggest issues facing retirees, predominantly men, is maintaining good mental health and remaining socially active once they leave work.
“Nearly everyone who was at this week’s meeting told me how much they look forward to these events and how it helps to get them out of the house and meeting new people.
“I thoroughly enjoyed and learnt so much from my visit with the group and urge all retired farmers, both men and women, in the Inverell area to make the most of this fantastic social opportunity.”
NSW Farmers Northern Regional Services Manager Michael Collins said the monthly catch-up had been described to him as medicine for the soul.
“The seed for this group was sown at AgQuip a few years ago by NSW Farmers member Bob Moore, who identified a lack of opportunities for retired farmers to come together discuss their experiences and talk about the one thing they know best,” Mr Collins said.
“Since then we have grown to having around 15 to 20 attendees each month.
“It’s a great way for NSW Farmers to monitor the health and wellbeing of these people who have contributed so much to the success of primary production in the Inverell region.
“Farmers who have retired to Inverell from outside the area have used the group to create new friendships, after not knowing many people when they first arrived to town.
“I am very proud of how our group has grown and developed over the time and thank Adam for his interest and attendance to our latest gathering.”
Those interested in attending the monthly Retired Farmers Group can contact Michael Collins on 0439 958 163.