General News
5 September, 2025
Grant to boost mental health in Warracknabeal
Fat Farmers Warracknabeal is set to strengthen its role in promoting both physical and mental health after receiving $2500 through the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership (PCP) Health and Wellbeing Grants.
The group, which combines fitness, social connection and peer support, will use the funding to host a mental health awareness night featuring guest speakers, lived-experience stories and opportunities for locals to connect over food and conversation.
Fat Farmers Warracknabeal group fitness trainer Justin Knorpp said the grant would be a significant boost.
“I plan on spending the funds on a Mental Health Awareness event,” he said.
“Organise some guest speakers, offer snacks, tea and coffee.
“Depending on the cost of the event, I may be able to purchase some new equipment for the sessions that I run.”
Mr Knorpp said the program would not only showcase the value of Fat Farmers but also help tackle stigma around mental health in rural communities.
“It will be extremely beneficial for Fat Farmers being the organiser of a Mental Health and Wellbeing night,” he said.
“It will help to promote Fat Farmers and enable me to talk about the benefits that Fat Farmers offer and can provide for a person, not only to improve a person’s physical health, but also to help a person improve their mental health.”
He said the recognition from Wimmera PCP and the Ballarat Foundation was a strong endorsement of the group’s work.
“It’s amazing to be recognised by an organisation such as Wimmera PCP - Ballarat Health and have their support to help community people here in the Wimmera Mallee improve their physical and mental health,” he said.
“Being able to offer opportunities for community members to come to fitness classes and get some social connection they may not get otherwise, in a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental environment, is so pleasing, and I’m so grateful for the people that attend and trust in me to support them in a small way on their life journey.”
Woomelang and District Bush Nursing Centre, Harrow Bush Nursing Centre and the Neighbourhood Houses in Horsham and Kaniva are the other four recipients.
The Warracknabeal event is expected to reach more than 100 people, with Mr Knorpp hoping it will spark ongoing conversations about wellbeing.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health — and it’s okay to ask for help,” he said.
“We all face challenges, stress, and emotional ups and downs; what matters is knowing you’re not alone.”
The Ballarat Foundation has announced almost $25000 in grants to five programs across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee regions through the PCP grants.
The Ballarat Foundation chief executive, Andrew Eales, said the five projects will promote health and wellbeing across the region.
“We’ve heard the voices of the Wimmera community and recognise how tough the past few years have been – through COVID and more recently drought conditions,” he said.
“We are proud to ensure the incredible legacy of community support led by the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership will continue for decades to come through this annual grant program.”