As political leaders splash cash in marginal seats around the country, spare a thought for the poor sods in the safest electorate in the land.
Mallee in western Victoria is a Nationals stronghold where Labor struggles to win 17 per cent of the vote.
The cakewalk political contest has some locals thinking their vote is taken for granted.
In the Wimmera wheatbelt, drought has hammered grain growers causing a ripple effect in the towns that rely on bumper harvests to keep them afloat.
The locals are a stoic bunch, reluctant to reach out for help even when they're close to breaking point.
Wendy Sturgess, from Wimmera Uniting Care, says there's been a spike in suicides and family violence.
And she fears the situation could get worse if her organisation runs out of cash for a special community program that provides a listening ear to people in need across five shires.
Their cause is not helped by local MP Andrew Broad who believes the program has been ineffective.
Here there are no leather couches. Instead support workers reach out to people, build trust and connect people with the right assistance.
"They meet people at the farm gate, or sit at the kitchen table and have a chat," Ms Sturgess told AAP.
Kaniva-based footy coach Mal Coutts insists his work has saved lives and describes his role as "talking to a mate".
"I thought it was our Australian way, that you look to help anyone you know," he said.
The price you put on that is how much you valued the lives of people.
Tina Hayden, from Goroke, believes Mr Coutts has been a saviour for her and her family as they grapple with the fallout and stress of her eldest son's ice addiction and brushes with the law.
"If it wasn't for Mal and the RARE program, I don't know where my husband and I would be, we would probably be separated," she said.
"He's gone above and beyond for us."
The Rural and Remote Engagement program received a one-off federal drought grant of $485,000 in January and is desperately trying to secure more funds to continue beyond late June.
"We are potentially putting people's lives at risk (if the program ends)," Ms Sturgess said.
Mr Broad though prefers rural financial counsellors and traditional mental health services.
"I don't think the program's been that effective," he told AAP.
"I'm frankly pissed with Wimmera Uniting Care, who don't ring us but pull the suicide card out to try to get funding."
