Just A Farmer Screening A Heartfelt Success

Harden Local Health Advisory Committee members with writer, producer and actress Leila McKinnon and her daughter Vivian.

The community screening of Just A Farmer in Harden was such a success, there are already plans to host another one.

Harden Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) and Harden Murrumburrah Regional Development Corporation (HRDC) teamed up to bring the Australian film to Harden. HRDC CEO Melissa Pinney said the screening went well.

“Many of those attending who grew up on farms said the film really showed the reality of life on the land. Several of the mental health professionals that attended also commented on the authenticity of the characters in the film and their experiences throughout the movie.”

“The audience was treated to a special appearance by not only Leila McDougall but also her daughter Vivian, who plays the character Sally in the film.”

Following the screening of the film was a special Q and A session.

Joining writer, producer and lead actress on the film Leila on the Q and A panel were John Harper, Emma Bromham and Shannon O’Brien.

John Harper is a retired farmer and shearer, a passionate advocate for mental health and the powerhouse behind “Mate helping Mate”, a self-help program to address depression in rural communities.

Emma Bromham is Suicide Prevention Lead with Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. Emma is actively engaged in trying to change the narrative on suicide by encouraging awareness and building more supportive environments with simple heartfelt conversations.

Shannon O’Brien is Senior Support Worker with Wellways Australia, an organisation that provides ‘after suicide support’ for families, friends, workplaces and communities. “During the Q&A after the film, Leila explained how the film was shot on her family’s actual farm.”

The kitchen scenes were in her family’s kitchen, the shearing scenes were in their shearing shed, and the shearers in the film – not professional actors, they were the shearers that work on Leila’s farm.”

“This is one of the reasons the film resonates so much with audience members who come from a small rural community.”

“Many of the audience members said they would encourage their family members to attend the next screening in Harden that is planned for February or March 2026, particularly their adult children and grandchildren,” said Melissa.

The screening was supported by generous sponsors the Black Dog Ride, the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and Terry White Chemist.