LOWER Mount Walker dairy farmer Ross Blanch is the winner of the 2022 Rosewood Toastmasters Communicator of the Year Award and was congratulated at a special presentation last week.
The Award recognises someone who has made a significant difference to the lives of others and someone who makes a difference within the community.
Ross was recognised for his service with Lifeline Crisis Support and Lifeline Farmer to Farmer, for his dedication to the local community and for his continued positivity in times of crisis.
Ross said his involvement with Lifeline started when he decided that he wanted to help the community in some way and after researching different support groups and community organisations in the area, he found Lifeline.
“Throughout my years volunteering with Lifeline I have assisted so many families and people through crisis situations and if I can make a difference in the life of just one person that to me is worth everything,” he said.
“I have travelled throughout Queensland to help out in areas that have been affected by floods and cyclones working on the floor to help pick up the pieces.
“These experiences have taught me patience, understanding and the ability to be able to adapt quickly to any situation.”
Ross has been the ‘ear to listen’ when people have called the Lifeline centre where they are left in despair and he said that these challenging situations have taught him resilience.
“Answering calls covering different situations like mental health issues, domestic violence, suicide and loneliness matters, has definitely been an eye opener, but it has given me a chance to be the shoulder for those who are suffering to lean on,” he said.
“Being there for others has given me another purpose in life, and away from Lifeline I enjoy each day working on the family dairy farm.”
To date Ross has assisted over 100 farmers, he has taken over 4000 calls and he has helped with operations from the horse flu outbreak in 2007.
Ross also assisted throughout the 2011 floods in Ipswich, in Central Queensland’s Cyclone Marcia disaster in 2015 and he has now initiated a new program through Lifeline called Farmer to Farmer.
