Buloke is excited to welcome back Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer, and Mallee Family Care as they join forces to deliver the Paddock Run Initiative across Buloke’s grain bunkers and silos this week.
As trucks begin lining up at delivery sites, conditions remain challenging. After recent rain totals ranging between 15mm to 90mm across the Shire, there is potential for equipment boggings to become a reality again for some operators—a reminder of the complexities that come with farming in unpredictable weather conditions.
What is the Paddock Run?
The Paddock Run Initiative is a mobile outreach project born in late 2022, following the October flood event, as a way to deliver critical information, mental health resources, and a touch of Buloke hospitality directly to the hardworking agricultural workforce during their busiest time of year.
The initiative visits silos and grain bunkers, providing harvest workers with postcards packed with vital information and locally cherished Kookas Country Cookies—simple yet meaningful gestures that reflect the warmth of Buloke’s kitchen table hospitality.
Taking it to the next level, partnerships with grain receival site staff ensured these were handed out at testing sites, further enhancing the initiative’s reach and impact by connecting directly with those on the ground.
Local businesses, renowned for preparing meals for paddock delivery, were eager to pitch in too and pop the Paddock Run cards into the bag with their purchases. This collective effort became a monumental relay of support, passing on connection and care exactly when it was needed most.
Why the Paddock Run Matters
Clear and effective communication is at the heart of the Paddock Run.
Farmers shared with council staff that during harvest, they simply don’t have time to read newsletters, with mail often left unopened until long after the season ends.
Buloke Shire Council took this feedback on board and responded by creating the Paddock Run—a way to deliver concise, easy-to-access information that can be quickly stored in a glove box, pocket, or on the fridge.
The simple concept earned Buloke two significant State and National awards for disaster preparedness communication and engagement.
Community Connection
In this part of the world, sharing a cuppa and a biscuit has long been a way to connect—working through challenges, celebrating successes.
Council continues adopt a “go-to-them” strategy to ensure effective communication, such as the recent “Cuppa and Chat” sessions co-hosted with Mallee Family Care across Buloke.
These sessions brought people together in familiar, welcoming settings, making it easier for community members to engage, share concerns, and access support.
Buloke Shire Council Mayor, Cr Alan Getley, said: “Council remains committed to prioritising the well-being of our community as it navigates significant developments, whether they be droughts, floods, and more recently renewable energy projects.
“Council acknowledges the diversity of perspectives and understand the heightened emotions surrounding these issues.
“Importantly, Council maintains a neutral stance and clarifies that it is not involved in planning or approval processes for such renewable energy projects, as these decisions rest at the state level.
“Regarding the recent cancellation of a meeting in Wycheproof, Council wishes to clarify that ACEN Australia was informed in advance of the venue's unavailability, and the decision to cancel the meeting was made independently by ACEN Australia.
“We want to assure our community that we maintain our commitment to transparent and proactive approaches, and ensuring that vital information is shared directly and meaningfully with our community.”