Simon Mitchell, Cowwarr - July // 2025 Mental Health Calendar

Simon Mitchell isn’t your typical dairy farmer. Raised on a wheat and sheep farm in Northern Victoria before moving to Longreach for college and station work, Simon eventually built his entire dairy operation in Cowwarr from the ground up after falling in love with a Gippsland woman Fiona. But Simon’s story is one of remarkable resilience — a quality that has defined his life, especially after a life-altering accident in July 2020. 

 While fencing, Simon’s arm got caught in an auger, nearly severing his hand. The injury left physical scars but also opened a flood of emotions. Once a man who never shed tears, Simon now finds himself crying more often — the accident changed him in ways he never expected. 

Reflecting on the accident, Simon admits he didn’t take farm safety as seriously as he should have. He also acknowledges that he never received counseling for the trauma, although he realizes now that he should have. This wasn’t Simon’s first close brush with death either — he has survived multiple accidents throughout his life, with what seems like guardian angels working overtime to protect him. 

Despite the challenges, Simon’s mindset is nothing short of incredible. He built a picturesque shed for his wife that’s “Instagram-worthy” and takes pride in his ability to make anything work on the farm. His beloved dog, Gnocchi, serves as his emotional support and confidant, offering a daily source of therapy and companionship. 

Simon Mitchell’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. His journey reminds us that life’s toughest moments often bring about the most profound transformations.