There were three different speakers at this year's rural Grease and Oil Change workshops, but their messages worked together wonderfully.
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Event organisers Danika McDonald, Cherie Quade and Melissa Brown said ways of taking a pre-emptive or proactive approach to looking after yourself came through in the free workshops for rural residents.
Trundle and Corinella hosted this year's Grease and Oil Change, and the speakers were Denis Hoiberg from Lessons Learnt Consulting, Dr Jo Braid from Braid Health, and Steve Matthews from Riverina Bluebell.
They shared their personal stories as they spoke about personal resilience, the impact of stress on your physical health, and farming and good mental health.
"The speakers were outstanding," Cherie said.
"More people should be hearing this," was a common refrain.
Add food, workshops and the chance to chat to the presenters and neighbours, and the feedback from this year's event has been "just wonderful".
Participants could also do a yoga session and have a health check including a blood pressure check.
"All the elements of the day, from the speakers to the food, supported the Grease and Oil Change philosophy of making good choices to improve your wellbeing," Cherie said.
Feedback from participants was very positive, and very encouraging for the organisers who have expanded and really stepped up what's on offer at the event.
The Trundle event has been established for a number of years, but this was the first time Grease and Oil Change had come to Corinella.
The first Forbes shire Grease and Oil Change came to Bedgerabong last year, and the event will alternate between the two venues each year, with hopes that all rural residents from the district will gather in either location.
Cherie said it was wonderful to see the old Corinella school "come to life again", with children playing outside while their parents and grandparents enjoyed the day's workshops inside.
"There was a really positive vibe on the day," Cherie said.
At the end of the day, all participants also took home a "goodie bag" of resources that will allow the conversations started on the day to continue.
With funding secured for next year's events, the organisers are putting 2020 dates out there: Grease and Oil Change will return on February 20 and 21.
The events run from 9am to lunchtime and do kick off with a cuppa for those who have already done half a day's work on the farm.
Organisers promise it is well worth the planning to take a morning off the farm to attend.
