Rural Health Organisations Unite to Strengthen Regional Wellbeing

Two leading rural health charities, Active Farmers and the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative, have announced they will join forces to expand health and wellbeing programs across regional Australia.

Both organisations have spent more than a decade delivering community-based physical activity, mental health support and social-connection opportunities, and say combining their operations will significantly increase their reach and long-term sustainability.

Active Farmers Founder Ginny Stevens said the integration builds on years of shared purpose.

“When two organisations share the same purpose – to improve the health and wellbeing of rural communities – joining forces just makes sense,” she said.

“This step will allow us to expand, evolve, and continue strengthening the resilience of rural Australia.”

Across the country, more than 80 groups - including 42 Active Farmers programs and 40 Fat Farmers groups - will now sit under the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative, with Active Farmers continuing as the community-facing brand.

Fat Farmers CEO Richard Sheppy said the partnership reflects a smarter, more sustainable approach to rural charity work.

“Together we can build on each other’s strengths to reach even more people and continue fostering health, connection and resilience in farming communities,” he said.

Active Farmers National Network Manager Boyd Rae said combining resources and expertise “gives us a clear path to deliver an even greater impact for rural Australians.”