Funding Win Brings Regional Brain Reset Tour to Murraylands Communities

Primary producers, farming families and rural communities across the Murraylands will benefit from a significant investment in mental health and wellbeing following a successful grant awarded to Coorong Conversations Matter Suicide Prevention Network through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal's (FRRR) In A Good Place program.

The $20,000 FRRR grant will support the delivery of the Regional Brain Reset Tour, bringing renowned facilitator Allan Parker OAM to the region to deliver two full-day workshops in Meningie and Karoonda in early 2027. The initiative provides practical, science-based strategies to help participants better manage stress, mental fatigue, decision-making under pressure and overall wellbeing, while strengthening social connection across drought-affected communities.

The Regional Brain Reset Tour has been developed in response to strong community feedback and evidence highlighting the need for practical approaches to support mental wellbeing in farming communities.

Coorong Conversations Matter’s president Pauline Linke said the organisation was incredibly grateful to FRRR for recognising the importance of investing in preventative mental health initiatives for regional communities.

"We're excited to bring something a little different to our region. Traditional mental health services play an important role, but we also recognise they don't resonate with everyone,” says Mrs Linke.

“The Regional Brain Reset Tour takes a practical, science-based approach to understanding how our brains respond to stress, giving people simple tools they can apply in everyday life.

“We believe offering an alternative way to think about wellbeing will encourage even more people to start conversations and invest in their mental health.”

Coorong District Council’s Acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch said the project highlighted the value of strong partnerships in delivering meaningful outcomes for regional communities.

"We’re proud to continue supporting Coorong Conversations Matter in raising awareness of suicide prevention and promoting positive mental wellbeing,” says Cr. Pietzsch.

“Our volunteer organisations do an incredible job, and by working together we're able to bring high-quality opportunities like the Regional Brain Reset Tour to our region. We congratulate Coorong Conversations Matter on this outstanding funding success and thank FRRR for recognising the importance of investing in rural communities.”

Since its establishment ten years ago, Coorong Conversations Matter has worked to improve mental health awareness, reduce the stigma associated with suicide and empower community members to seek help and support others when needed.

Coorong District Council has supported Coorong Conversations Matter since its inception, providing ongoing assistance with project development, grant applications, promotion and delivery to help create greater awareness of suicide prevention and improve mental wellbeing across the district.

This collaborative approach has enabled the volunteer-led organisation to continue delivering initiatives that strengthen resilience, encourage conversations and foster more connected communities.

The FRRR In A Good Place program supports grassroots projects that improve mental health and wellbeing in regional Australia, making this funding a welcome investment in communities that continue to experience the ongoing impacts of prolonged drought and seasonal pressures.

The Regional Brain Reset Tour workshops are planned for February 2027, with further details, dates and registrations to be announced in the coming months.

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Contact:

Myles Somers
INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au