16th December 2024
The Weather That Changed Us | Millenium Drought
For some children, the breaking of the millennium drought was the first time they had seen rain and puddles. The decade-long dry spell that covered eastern Australia delivered more than cracked earth, it changed how we thought about and valued water. It also heralded ‘star ratings’ so we could buy appliances that saved water.
15th September 2024
Far West of Centre - Health in Outback NSW
Today we are privileged to have a panel of guests join us, Brendan Cullen, Mental Health and Wellness Advocate, Khyle Toomey, Peer Support Worker at Mission Australia, and Cameron Leiper, Project Coordinator for Zero Suicides in the Far West Local Health District, to talk about mental wellness. Hear individual journeys and tips to staying on top of your mental wellness.
Hosted by Rebecca Smith and produced by Juanita White for the Integrated Care Team, Far West Local Health District. Information provided in this podcast is correct at the time of recording and is generalised information. If you require further individualised health care advice, please contact your health care provider.
18th September 2024
#109 Why Farmer Brendan swam the English Channel…twice!
Thankfully, community conversations and support services around mental health - particularly in rural and remote areas of Australia - are increasing all the time. The importance of checking in regularly with our family, neighbours and friends and even simply taking the time to care of our own wellbeing and 'headspace' is undeniable.
But over 10 years ago, when Broken Hill grazier Brendan Cullen found himself lacking energy, drinking too much and simply feeling overwhelmed, he realised he needed professional help. Thanks to the support, advice and tools offered up by his local health service and the RFDS, Brendan discovered a new 'lease on life', as well as a passion for long-distance swimming.
7th May 2024
Stories Of Us
Brendan Cullen: Confronting Mental Health in Rural Australia
In this episode of Stories of Us, Brendan Cullen shares his upbringing on a sheep station in regional Australia with host Sarah Grynberg.
Growing up on Mount Westwood near Broken Hill, Brendan fondly recalls carefree days exploring the vast outdoors with his younger brother.
He describes the daily routines of farm life, including stock work and maintenance tasks on the expansive 150,000-acre property he currently works on.
Brendan candidly discusses the challenges of rural isolation and the toll it took on his mental health, leading to a struggle with depression exacerbated by self-medication with alcohol. However, through self-awareness and seeking professional help, Brendan found the courage to confront his issues and adopt healthier coping mechanisms.
He emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed. Brendan's journey highlights the resilience and strength found in rural communities, even in the face of adversity like droughts, which he also discusses.
11th April 2024
I Should Have Stayed In Bed
Ep 21: Brendan Cullen
Introducing Brendan Cullen, a remarkable individual hailing from the vibrant desert city of Broken Hill.
Join us as we delve into Brendan's extraordinary journey, where he conquered the treacherous English Channel (twice), defying the odds and showcasing his indomitable spirit.
As an ambassador for Lifeline, Brendan has dedicated himself to raising awareness about mental health and providing support for those in need.
Tune in to this inspiring episode to uncover the tales of triumph, resilience, and compassion that define Brendan Cullen's life.
June 2021
Mate Helping Mate
9. What’s in your mental health tool box?
From a property outside of Broken Hill, Kars Station, we hear from Brendan Cullen, a farmer who realised that talking to himself as a coping mechanism, was not sustainable. Attributing the roots of it particularly to drought and losing his family property, depression was with Brendan for a long time before he was diagnosed. He shares what’s inside his mental health tool box to get him through the tough times and also shares the news of a huge challenge he set himself!
September 2021
Swimming with the pod…
Ocean swimming…with Brendan Cullen
Brendan Cullen is , but what makes his journey exceptional is that he is a sheep farmer from Kars Station, east of Broken Hill in NSW, and is about 350 km from the nearest coastline. Four mornings a week, Brendan swims in the murky waters of Lake Pamamaroo and Lake Copi Hollow in the Menindee Lakes, where he can't typically see more than 20 centimetres in front of his face (). And there's not a lot of open water in the desert!
Brendan already has some major swimming achievements under his belt, such as , and he an , raising awareness and money for mental health.
April 2019
Holding on to hope
Brendan’s story of Holding on to Hope through drought, rural isolation and depression
Everyone knows that rural depression is an issue. But few have considered the issues that cause it.Farmer Brendan Cullen reached such a dark place he regularly sat in his car shouting at himself or on his bed sobbing.Today, it’s hard to believe the cheerful sheep station manager from Broken Hill found himself in such pain until he lists the many factors that caused it - isolation, being on duty 24/7, feeling reluctant to ask for help during drought, dealing with so much animal death