THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Making our Farms Safer Project (MOFS) has launched a new podcast series aimed at driving social change to improve the safety of Victorian farming families.
VFF vice-president and Child Safety on Farms Steering Committee chair Danyel Cucinotta said the initial two-part series features tips and guidance to reduce accidents involving children on the farm.
“The campaign focuses on better outcomes for children aged 10-15, who are performing work related task on farms,” she said.
“Essentially, we want everyone on the farm to be able to go home safely at the end of the night.
“Influencing change is difficult no matter the subject. Influencing cultural changes is even harder and that’s what these podcasts are striving to do.”
The podcast series also features the head of trauma and burns unit at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Warwick Teague, and his insight when dealing with child injury and trauma.
“Treating injuries is important, but preventing injuries is so much more important,” Dr Teague said.
“Every five days in Victoria, a child is injured on a quad bike. We know that is an underestimate, because not all are serious injuries.”
Dr Teague added he hopes the podcast series would spark a conversation that would see a reduction in the number of injuries on farms involving children.
“It goes against the status quo to say no and change what has previously always been done in the past,” he said.
“That’s exactly how we end up with injuries on farms or at home. Then we are left managing the injury. We would love to never see it.
“Is there a better thing to do in our day, life or year than to save another?”
The podcast series is now available via your favourite streaming app and searching ‘Victorian Farmers Federation’.
