Two tuning forks sit side by side, never touching. Strike one with a mallet and it hums at its natural frequency. Moments later, the second fork begins to vibrate too—without a single touch—producing the same note. This phenomenon is resonance: an invisible transfer of energy between two bodies that share a natural frequency.
Now imagine that commonality is culture. And imagine the forks are growers and grower communities.
Now imagine the power of a safety message or a second-chance story that sparks a behaviour change and resonates across a network of growers.
This idea of resonance was one of the most impactful concepts shared at Farmsafe’s recent AgDay Forum by host Penny Terry: if we create a behaviour change in one person or place, and communicate a narrative around that change that feels true to others because it aligns with what matters to them, that change can spread and multiply.
Kerri-Lynn Peachey’s critical work through AgHealth Australia to uncover the real statistics around farm incidents gives us vital insight into what behaviours need to shift to prevent avoidable fatalities. Facts can be shocking—like 10% of farm fatalities this year to date were children—but they rarely cut through like a story does.
A statistic such as “6 side-by-side deaths this year” on a page doesn’t hit home the way a story does; a story like that of how a young family lost their beloved father and husband who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt—and how his 12-year-old daughter was the one who found him. Or Glen “Cookie” Cook’s true account of an operator who struck a power line survived the accident that killed two colleagues, only to take his own life.
And it’s the second chance stories we need to hear too — the near misses that could have ended differently. Kerri-Lynn’s research also shows how worryingly underreported injuries are. Sharing these stories can feel exposing and uncomfortable, but when spoken bravely, they can literally save lives.
Because stories cut through the pernicious belief that we don’t have the time or resources to make changes and besides, “that wouldn’t happen to us.” The truth is that, on balance, yes we do have the time and resources, and yes, it could happen to us if it happened to someone else. That realisation emerges from the clarity of a resonating note that moves us to change with it.
Share. Listen. Let the lessons move you. And for everyone’s sake, keep safe.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.