Exciting Updates
Latest News
Australian of the Year Nomination
2026 VIC Australian of the Year Nominee
Leila Sweeney-McDougall has been recognised as a 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year nominee for her work in supporting the mental health of farming communities across Australia. As a farmer, filmmaker, and founder of the not-for-profit Live Rural, Leila has dedicated her voice to breaking the silence around rural mental health and suicide.
Her critically acclaimed feature film Just a Farmer has sparked nationwide conversations of hope, healing, and support — encouraging communities to speak openly about the pressures farmers face.
Read the full coverage here:
Media Coverage
Beyond Blue Ambassador Announcement
Leila McDougall’s appointment as Beyond Blue’s Farming and Rural Communities Ambassador has been recognised across Australian media. Outlets have highlighted her commitment to breaking down stigma, supporting mental health, and giving a stronger voice to farming communities.
Read the full coverage here:
Kelly Wandel
Rural Leadership
In 2025, rural leader Kelly Wandel has been a driving force in creating safe spaces for nearly 100 communities across Australia, using Just a Farmer screenings to spark conversations about resilience and mental health. She is also nominated in the Shine Awards, which celebrate rural women making extraordinary contributions.
Nominate here: https://tinyurl.com/4r2rerey
Leila McDougall
Beyond Blue Ambassador
Leila McDougall has been announced as a Beyond Blue Farming and Rural Communities Ambassador, bringing her lived experience as a farmer to highlight the unique pressures rural people face—from financial stress to isolation and mental health challenges. She is proud to champion open conversations and promote NewAccess for Small Business Owners, a free, confidential program tailored to farming life.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fYEYMD
David Gregory OAM
on “What’s Fear Got to Do With It”
We’re proud to share that David Gregory OAM, a cherished part of the Just a Farmer family and Leila’s on-screen “movie dad,” is featured on the podcast What’s Fear Got to Do With It. In this episode, David shares candid reflections on fear, resilience, and chasing dreams.
Listen here: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e4