In These Unprecedented Times . . . Telling the Story of Rural Victoria

Victoria looks different right now, with streets deserted, shopfronts closed and school grounds bare.

 Whilst we might be socially isolating, #SnapshotRuralVic hopes to provide a connection between the isolating and isolated, so we can support one another during these troubling times. 

This initiative hopes to share the stories of everyday Victorians who are sadly no stranger to challenging times. Whilst we navigate the coming months, #SnapshotRuralVic aims to unite Victorians through storytelling, humour and creativity.

Social Media has become a part of everyday life for many Victorians, and now we hope to turn the spotlight on to rural Victorians and share their stories across the digital landscape. #SnapshotRuralVic is a new direction for the National Centre for Farmer Health as we embrace online platforms to connect a diverse range of Victorians through social media and our website. This project made possible by funding from the Victorian Government.

Social Media
Wimmera farmer Dougal admits to scrolling social media, but rarely feels the need to engage in the platform.

“I use social media and see what my mates are up to, but don't see anything farming related from my friends or opportunities to engage in new conversations within farming communities,” he says. 

Farming is becoming so isolated so it would be great to use social media to start new relationships and share our experiences.”

By encouraging people to be creative and talk about their experiences, #SnapshotRuralVic hopes to encourage individuals to share the highs and lows of rural life. #SnapshotRuralVic encourages all forms of creativity, from TikTok’s to Haiku’s, any and all personal expression is encouraged! Each week, the people will vote for a People’s Choice entry, who will receive a voucher to a rural business of their choice.

Connection
#SnapshotRuralVic’s Project Officer, Hilary McAllister, hopes the timing of this campaign will help Victorians feel more connected, not only to each other, but across the country and beyond. 

“From the local CFA meetings embracing Zoom technology, to people learning the art of mask making and getting their hands dirty in the vegetable garden, I hope #SnapshotRuralVic can help educate, inspire and hopefully provide some insight into rural life during these troubling times.” says Hilary #SnapshotRuralVic launched on Monday August 3, 2020, and will run for 10 weeks. To get involved, check out the campaign on Instagram (@SnapshotRuralVic) and Facebook (@Farmer_Health) to connect with the community and see some inspiration for your own submission. 

All forms of media are welcomed, from photos to videos, poetry, a tune or even a meme. Any and all creativity is encouraged. 

At the culmination of the campaign, a coffee-table style book will be published (digitally and hard copy) that tells the story of rural Victoria during these challenging times.

For further information, visit www.farmerhealth.org.au/snapshotruralvic where you will also find all of the links to the multiple social media platforms and if social media is not for you, you are able to enter via this page. You can also reach out to the Snapshot Online Project Officer, Hilary McAllister, directly at hmcallister@wdhs.net or on 0490 483 548 for more information.

Hilary McAllister is the daughter of Don and Prue McAllister, of Rich Avon.