FOLLOWING a fundraising tradition stretching backed 11 years, animal health company Zoetis has raised another $100,000 in 2026 for mental health organisation Beyond Blue through its annual Helping Rural Australians Start The Conversation campaign.

This year’s contribution brings the total raised to $1.1 million over 11 years of the partnership.

Pictured from left during the 2026 Beyond Blue cheque presentation were Lauren Rowston, Zoetis Companion Animal & Equine Business Unit Director; Peter FitzGerald, Livestock Business Unit Director; and Nadia Stone, Senior Vice President, Australia and New Zealand

The milestone comes as new Beyond Blue research highlights the importance of personal connections in encouraging people to seek mental health support, with one in five Australians (21pc) who delayed seeking professional help eventually doing so after encouragement from someone they knew.

Beyond Blue’s Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check 2026 also found that almost half (47pc) of those who delayed seeking professional support eventually sought help because their symptoms worsened, reinforcing the importance of recognising early signs of distress and seeking support before problems escalate.

Zoetis’ ongoing contribution supports Beyond Blue’s work to connect more Australians with free, trusted mental health support earlier, before challenges escalate, while its annual campaign encourages rural and regional Australians to start conversations, check in on one another and seek help early.

Running from 15 July to 31 October 2026, the campaign raised funds for Beyond Blue’s free, confidential, 24/7 Support Service, helping people access counselling, mental health advice and referrals wherever they live. During the campaign, Zoetis donated $5 from every eligible sale of its livestock, pig, poultry and companion animal vaccines and parasiticides, up to $100,000.

Zoetis’ partnership with Beyond Blue has helped more than 16,600 people across Australia connect directly with a trained counsellor through Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service, providing support when they need it most.

With this year’s fundraising campaign complete, both organisations are encouraging communities to keep checking in on one another.

Working together

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the longstanding partnership showed the impact businesses and communities can have when they work together to support better mental health.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Zoetis and its customers for 11 years of commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of rural and regional Australians. Reaching $1.1 million is an extraordinary milestone, but just as important is the message this campaign continues to share: a simple conversation can make a real difference,” Ms Harman said.

“Our latest research reminds us that mental health is not something we navigate alone. Friends, family, neighbours and communities all play an important role in helping people feel supported, connected and confident enough to reach out when they’re struggling. That’s why simple conversations can have such a powerful impact.”

Additional barriers in rural and remote communities

Zoetis’ Livestock Business Unit Director Peter FitzGerald said the latest research reinforced why his company continued to support rural mental health, a commitment it has maintained for over a decade.

“Reaching $1.1 million is something we’re proud of, because behind that figure are people having conversations, checking in with one another, finding support and taking steps to look after their mental health,” Mr FitzGerald said.

“Through our work with farmers, veterinarians and rural businesses, we know how much people put into caring for their animals, their livelihoods and those around them. This partnership is about helping ensure they can access care and support too.”

For Australians living in rural and remote communities, distance and limited local healthcare services can create additional barriers to accessing mental health support. Beyond Blue’s research also found that cost remains a significant obstacle, with 43pc of those who delayed or went without professional mental health support citing affordability.

Making mental health part of everyday conversations

New South Wales farmer and Beyond Blue’s rural and farming community spokesperson Derek Schoen said the findings highlighted the importance of making mental health part of everyday conversations.

“There’s always something that needs your attention on a farm or in a rural business, and it’s easy to let your own wellbeing slip down the list,” Mr Schoen said.

“The research shows that encouragement from someone you know can make a real difference in helping people take that first step towards support. It also reminds us that, while many more people are reaching out for help earlier, still too many people are waiting until things get worse before they seek support. “You might notice you’re not sleeping well, you’re pulling away from people or things are getting on top of you more than usual. Those are reasons to have a conversation, even if you’re not sure how to explain what’s going on.”

Mr Schoen said checking in on others was equally important.

“A conversation can happen over a cuppa, on the phone or while you’re getting a job done together. What matters is making time to listen and following up, rather than assuming someone is fine because they’re still getting on with things,” he said.

“You don’t have to solve their problems. You can listen, let them know you care and help them connect with further support. And if someone would prefer to speak privately with someone outside their community, Beyond Blue is available wherever they live.”

Mr FitzGerald said the end of the annual campaign was an opportunity to reinforce that support remains available throughout the year.

“Our customers have helped us reach this year’s fundraising target, but the message continues well beyond October,” he said.

“We want people to make checking in a regular part of life, and to feel comfortable asking for support themselves. Eleven years into this partnership, that remains at the heart of what we’re working towards.”

• If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 for free, confidential counselling, advice and referrals.
• Phone support and webchat are available 24/7 at beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Source: Zoetis, Beyond Blue