Supporting Small Businesses: A Community-Led Approach to Mental Wellbeing

Coonamble Main Street

Mental health support in regional areas is often difficult to access, but the Coonamble Chamber of Commerce (CCoC) is changing that narrative by creating an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) tailored specifically for local business owners, their employees, and their families. This groundbreaking initiative, a first for a regional Chamber of Commerce in Australia, highlights the power of community-driven support in fostering mental well-being.

A Service Designed by the Community, for the Community

The Coonamble Chamber of Commerce’s EAP, delivered by Employee Assistance Australia, provides free and confidential counselling services to all business owners and staff, ensuring accessibility without stigma. This program is financially backed by the Future Drought Fund’s Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought initiative, allowing local businesses to access professional mental health services at no cost.

“Our members own this service,” said Chamber Administrator Amanda Glasson. “It’s theirs to shape and use in ways that best suit their needs.”

Kellie Ward from Employee Assistance Australia led the initiative, offering in-person, group workshop, and phone-based support. The program is already gaining traction, with a steady increase in participation from local businesses. Workshops addressing burnout, stress, and anxiety have been well received, helping employees build resilience while fostering a culture of mental well-being in the workplace.

Each month, Kellie travels out to the small town of Coonamble, which is situated around 6.5 hours northeast of Sydney in Australia. The day typically starts with a well-being workshop for the staff of one of the businesses or a BBQ at the local hardware store to catch the tradies before the working day. Then, it's a full day of back-to-back counselling sessions before she heads home.

Strengthening the Business Community

Chamber Secretary Rachael Swansborough emphasized the importance of such a program in regional areas, where economic and environmental pressures significantly impact mental health. “We’ve had much more interest than expected, and people are already using the service,” she noted.

The program’s flexibility allows businesses to engage in various ways, whether through individual counselling, attending well-being workshops, or discussing strategies to manage workplace stress. Kellie Ward, who owns a small business herself, understands the unique pressures that come with it and is committed to making mental healthcare more accessible in regional areas. She feels small businesses are the key to making this dream a reality.

“Small businesses are the heart of regional communities,” she said. “By supporting business owners and their teams, we’re strengthening the entire community.”

To learn more about this initiative or access the service, local business owners and staff can contact the Coonamble Chamber of Commerce. For other small businesses looking to implement a botique EAP program, get in touch by calling 1300 806 770 or visiting employeeaa.com.au.