Hand to the Land was created as a practical and hopeful response, investing in people, education and community capacity.
The initiative believes that lasting change comes not only from raising awareness, but from supporting real pathways for young regional Australians to return to their communities with the skills and knowledge needed most.
Through fundraising events, storytelling, advocacy and community engagement, Hand to the Land aims to strengthen mental health awareness, encourage open conversation and support long-term wellbeing outcomes across rural and regional Australia.
At its core, Hand to the Land believes in the power of connection, conversation and community. Together, Hand to the Land and CEF are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities, now and into the future.
What Hand to the Land supports
Jessica Walker Memorial Scholarships
Scholarships in memory of Jessica Walker, supporting CEF students pursuing tertiary studies in areas such as:
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Psychology
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Nursing
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Social Work
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Counselling
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Other health related fields.
These scholarships aim to help strengthen the future regional health workforce by supporting students who understand rural communities firsthand and are passionate about giving back to them.
CEF Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Funds also contribute to a Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Fund across the CEF network, providing practical crisis support for regional students experiencing significant hardship or mental health challenges during their education journey.
The fund is designed to offer timely and flexible assistance when students need it most, helping reduce barrier to support and ensuring young people feel connected, supported and less along during difficult periods.
Awareness & Community Connection
Through events, storytelling and advocacy, Hand to the Land aims to create more open conversations around mental health and reduce the stigma often experienced in regional communities.
The initiative also supports opportunities for CEF staff, students and volunteers to undertake Mental Health First Aid training, helping build confidence, knowledge and practical skills to better support those experiencing mental health challenges within their communities.
The story behind Hand to the Land
Hand to the Land was inspired by the legacy of Jessica Walker and continues to honour her through meaningful action, advocacy and long-term investment in rural and regional communities.
What began as a deeply personal response to loss has grown into a broader community movement grounded in hope, connection and practical support, bringing together families, educators, health professionals, farmers, business owners and regional communities who believe in creating stronger support systems for rural Australia.
Hand to the Land Stories from our Community
George & Lan Henderson
George and Lan Henderson courageously shared their family’s experience in navigating mental health challenges in rural Australia through a powerful short film created for Hand to the Land.
Their story highlights the realities many regional families face, while also demonstrating the importance of connection, honesty, community support and access to care.
Vita Pappalardo
Vita Pappalardo is one of the inaugural Jessica Walker Memorial Scholarship recipients through CEF and Hand to the Land.
Her story reflects the life changing impact education, encouragement and community support can have on regional young people pursuing careers that will ultimately support and strengthen rural communities themselves.
Upcoming Events
Hand to the Land brings communities together through fundraising events, storytelling, community gatherings and awareness initiatives across rural and regional Australia.
From intimate regional events to larger fundraising evenings, every event helps raise awareness, strengthen connection and support practical mental health and education outcomes for regional communities.
Upcoming events and announcements will be shared here and via Instagram.
Our impact
Hand to the Land is focused on creating meaningful, long-term impact through education, awareness and community connection.
Together with CEF, the initiative is helping:
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Support regional students pursuing careers in health and wellbeing
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Increase conversations around mental health in rural communities
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Build stronger local support networks
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Improve access to wellbeing support for regional students
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Invest in the future resilience of rural and regional Australia
While the work continues to grow, the vision remains simple – strong communities supported by connection, education and care.
Support Hand to the Land
There are many ways to support Hand to the Land and help strengthen mental health and wellbeing outcomes across regional Australia.
Every contribution, conversation and connection helps make a difference.
