The SA Drought Hub supported the expansion of Kick off ya Boots, a community initiative using theatre to encourage conversations about drought, wellbeing, succession planning and farming family communication. The project funded professional filming of the production, statewide community screenings, and the development and distribution of practical ifarmwell resources to help continue conversations beyond the event.

Through 12 community screenings across South Australia, the project reached more than 1,700 people and provided practical tools to support ongoing wellbeing conversations within farming communities.

Project description: 

Kick off ya Boots combines storytelling with evidence-based mental wellbeing resources to encourage open conversations about the personal and family challenges that can accompany farming, including drought, financial pressure and succession planning. The SA Drought Hub supported the professional filming of the production, allowing it to be screened across regional South Australia and reach communities that may not otherwise have access to a live performance.

Each community screening was delivered as a local event featuring a shared meal, opportunities for social connection and discussion, and a presentation highlighting key wellbeing messages from the production. Attendees also received evidence-based ifarmwell Conversation Cards and supporting resources designed to help continue conversations with family, friends and colleagues after the event.

Key achievements and results: 

Developed and first performed in Loxton in 2021, the Kick off ya Boots (KOYB) dinner production by Little Town Productions has become a well-regarded initiative promoting wellbeing and resilience in rural communities. Using humor and relatable storytelling, the play explores important themes such as drought, succession planning, and family communication, encouraging open conversations around these often difficult issues. Building on its success, the SA Drought Hub funded a professional recording of the show in 2024 to enable wider distribution and regional screenings. This effort aims to strengthen community connections and support locally-led events that enhance social connectedness and engagement.

The project successfully expanded the reach of Kick off ya Boots (KOYB) by creating a professionally filmed version of the production and delivering screenings across regional South Australia. The initiative combined community engagement with practical wellbeing resources to encourage conversations around resilience, communication and mental wellbeing within farming communities.

Key achievements included:

• Delivered 12 community screening events across South Australia between August 2025 and April 2026, reaching more than 1,700 attendees from farming communities, industry and regional organisations.
• Produced a professionally filmed version of Kick off ya Boots, allowing the production to reach more regional communities and creating a resource that can continue to be used beyond the life of the project.
• Produced and distributed 2,000 additional packs of the evidence-based ifarmwell Conversation Cards, providing attendees with practical tools to continue conversations about wellbeing, communication and resilience at home.
• Developed a professionally produced event program featuring wellbeing information, useful support contacts and links to additional ifarmwell resources.
• Generated strong community interest, with nine screenings selling out and further requests received from communities in South Australia and interstate to host future events.

Further information:

• Read the SA Drought Hub case study: ‘Kicking off community-led resilience’.

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