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Our mission is to inspire and encourage rural communities to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.
Welcome to
Fat Farmers: Rural Health Initiative
(inclusive of Fat Farmers and Active Farmers)
Fat Farmers started in 2012 in SA, and Active Farmers started in 2015 in NSW - both were created to foster connection and community, in what is otherwise a very isolating industry. Today, the organisation has grown into a nationwide network of fitness groups across more than 80 rural and regional towns.
Staying consistently active has proven benefits to mental health, and often sparks open conversations about life on the land.
We’ve helped rural communities across Australia get active by starting local fitness groups; gym classes (HIIT, boxing etc), walking or running groups, pilates classes etc - welcoming farmers, friends families, and rural community members of all fitness levels.
Find your local group on the map & get involved, or contact us to start a new group
in your community!
Classes may change — check with your local Champion or Trainer for the latest details.
Our impact.
80+
Fat Farmers and Active Farmers communities across Australia
496
free health checks conducted over 7 events
95%
of participants reported an improvement in health & wellbeing after partaking in Fat Farmers / Active Farmers classes
1 in 3
Aussie farmers have reported a decline in their mental health in the past few years
45%
of Aussie farmers have felt depressed, with 64% experiencing anxiety.
That's 1 in 7
2+
The prevalence of people living with two or more long-term health conditions is highest in regional areas
The National Farmer Wellbeing Report 2023.
National Rural Health Alliance Rural Health in Australia Snapshot 2025.
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