The Association is encouraging members in the New England and Central West districts to attend free Mental Health Information Sessions in an attempt to address the mental toll of drought on farmers and their families.

President Jock Laurie says the free three-hour sessions will help farmers, rural service providers and rural communities to understand the warning signs of too much stress, depression and anxiety.

"With a variety of challenges and uncertainty facing those living in the bush, many farming families are experiencing significant ongoing financial, psychological and emotional pressure," Mr Laurie said.

"The workshops will help farmers and residents of local communities gain an understanding of depression and anxiety, their signs and symptoms and the early warning signs that a person needs professional assistance.

"It is very important during tough times that we look out for our family, friends and neighbours, and it’s essential that people know what help is available and how it can be accessed."

The push to improve awareness of depression follows on from a Federal Government announcement last week to provide an extra $50.5 million for perinatal depression and rural mental health services.

Australian General Practice Network chair Tony Hobbs described both areas as "high need".

"This funding will enable divisions of general practice to provide newly accessible services to mothers, to build better referral pathways for care with child and maternal health services and community-based services," Dr Hobbs said.

"AGPN particularly welcomes the strong focus on improving access to support services in rural and remote areas and the decision to channel this through divisions, Aboriginal Medical Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service – all vital services on the ground in these communities."