The future of the Australian wine industry lies with its people and their resilience in the face of significant adversity, argues Evans Ayers director Marc Allgrove.

I often muse about society’s destiny as I drive along country roads, vacillating from today’s tasks to the plight of humanity; illuminated by memories, observations and thoughts.

Most recently making my way to a local country football game my mind took me from the plight of Australia’s wine industry to a Year 6 Sports Day. I pondered; are the lessons being taught on that sports track, and at all levels of education and life, preparing children for the challenges that lie ahead?

Will the colourful ribbon given to the child stumbling last over the finishing line instil in them the inner understanding, strength and acceptance to appreciate and cope with the realities of life? Or will it be another missed lesson in handling disappointment, ultimately leading to entitlement and expectation?

I am concerned that society is increasingly focused on ensuring gain over understanding pain, provision over empowerment, and in turn giving rise to pervasive dependency.

Numbers are meant not to lie.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that 22 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 suffer from mental illness, whilst in adolescents (4-17 years) it is one in seven. Recent reports from a tertiary accommodation organisation suggest the numbers are even higher especially amongst young adults, with nearly 30 per cent of the student body reporting issues ranging from anxiety, depression and eating disorders through to self-harm and even suicidal ideation.

The adage “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is no longer accepted by schools, colleges, universities and workplaces.........

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