A community lobby group believes the Millicent Saleyards should remain open for the sake of the mental health of its farmers and other stakeholders.
The public call has come from the Millicent and Surrounds Health Support Group which has written to Wattle Range Council.
The fate of the saleyards was discussed at an open council workshop in Millicent last month and MASH Support Group secretary Ron Wood was sitting in the public gallery.
In his letter to council, Mr Wood said the saleyards had a past and future role in maintaining the good mental health of local farming communities. “Social inclusion opportunities that present at the saleyard markets allow for engaging with friends and peers and it is well documented that this is a key component in mental well-being,” Mr Wood said.
“Mental health for farming communities in today’s constantly changing world is professionally researched and documented as being a critical issue for families. “Isolation and difficulty accessing support services are some of the challenges facing our community.”
The value of the saleyards in mental health has also been highlighted in recent correspondence to council from two Millicent farming families. The letters came from Peter and Jan Gregurke and Kathleen and Bevan Staude and they also pointed out various economic benefits for the continued operation of the yards.
