THE loss of a key mental health program for Australia’s seafood industry has prompted urgent calls for funding to be reinstated.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, requesting immediate action to restore the “Stay Afloat” Program.
Established in 2020, “Stay Afloat” delivers industry-led mental health support across seafood communities.
Funding ceased in September 2025 and has not been reinstated.
“At a time when all primary industries are being hammered with uncertainty, we can’t be reducing the services available to those in mental distress,” Mr Conaghan said.
“We all know the brutal statistics around suicide within primary producer communities, and as a Federal Government we can’t be taking our hands off the wheel on this issue.”
Mr Conaghan said the seafood industry, particularly oyster farmers, had faced compounding pressures.
“The seafood industry in our electorate has been hit particularly hard in recent years, especially our oyster farmers.
“Every minor flooding event sees oyster businesses shut for weeks, if not months.
“And now with so many unable to access fuel, either due to price or supply, the level of stress is at fever pitch.”
The owner of Port Oyster Company Paul Wilson said, “It’s a backward step when taking funds away from programs.”
“It’s quite devastating to see your hard word destroyed in front of you and these programs can help people affected by the disasters to get through it.
“Especially over the past few years and with the situation right now.”
NSW Farmers Oyster Committee Chair and Stuarts Point oyster farmer Todd Graham, raised the issue directly with Mr Conaghan.
“People in our industry are really struggling and now have no-one who understands our unique challenges to talk to.
“I actually tried to call them myself last week but received no reply.
“I [have] since found out that the funding was pulled in September and they are no longer providing the service at all in NSW.”
Mr Graham said ongoing challenges continue to take a toll.
“With all the natural disasters in our region since 2019, on top of QX outbreaks in oysters, white spot disease in prawns, and the algal bloom in SA, this fuel disaster is just compounding the issues for farmers already at their wits end.”
Stay Afloat trained 189 volunteer “Trusted Advocates” across more than 70 communities to provide Mental Health First Aid and localised wellbeing support.
The initiative was devised to create programs “For Industry, By Industry” and highlights the vital role community-driven solutions play in fostering resilience.
News Of The Area contacted the minister for comment but has not had a reply.
By Sis HIGGINS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
