Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg will share important messages about mental health and suicide prevention at a community event being held at Lameroo in South Australia next month.
Brad is the national ambassador of Grain Producers Australia’s (GPA) Farmer Mates Mental Health program – a national partnership that’s boosting mental health awareness in farming communities.
From a WA Wheatbelt farming family, Brad is also an ambassador for Lifeline WA, where he shares important messages and his own personal experiences around mental health, with different groups. The GPA initiative allows him to share his work with regional communities throughout the nation.
The two-time cricket world cup winner will be speaking at the Lameroo Sports Club, at a free community BBQ, in the evening of March 2. The event is part of funding provided to Lameroo Forward Inc through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s In a Good Place (IAGP) program.
GPA Farmer Mates Mental Health program national ambassador, Brad Hogg, speaking at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days last year.
Lameroo Forward Inc’s Southern Mallee Mental Health Presentations are helping to grow community understanding of mental health and increase awareness at community presentations.
Fourteen mental health initiatives across remote, rural and regional Australia have shared in $204,607 in grants awarded through FRRR’s IAGP program, announced in late 2022.
GPA’s new mental health awareness initiative is being backed by a strong team featuring Lifeline, Rural Aid and Nufarm.
Last year, Brad spoke at fields day events throughout Australia, co-hosted with GPA’s state members. This included Grain Producers SA, hosting Brad in their tent at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days at Cleve. Dates for more co-hosted events at field days in 2023 are soon to be finalised.
These forums are also supported by Rural Aid’s team of counsellors who attend on the day to chat with people and answer any questions; including to explain what counselling is all about and how mental health support can help provide support for farmers and their families.
Anyone interested in supporting this initiative can contact GPA directly to discuss how your community or farming group can also host an event, to help share these important messages.
Brad played in 123 One Day Internationals and 7 test matches for Australia and is extremely proud of the work he’s doing with GPA and for Australia’s grain producers.
Brad said being able to share his story with farmers in an informal setting helps encourage other people to feel comfortable with sharing their own stories around mental health.
“I’m proud to be working with GPA on this initiative, to share these important messages, and really looking forward to meeting and talking with people at the Lameroo Sports Club,” he said.
“We want people to know that they’re never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it. It’s all about starting conversations that will make a positive change and help save lives.”
Event Details
Who: Australian cricketing legend and GPA National Mental Health Ambassador, Brad Hogg
What: Lameroo Forward Inc Community Mental Health BBQ
Where: Lameroo Sports Club, South Australia. 32 Butler Terrace, Lameroo.
When: 6.30pm Thursday, 2 March 2023.
Important Contacts
Farmer Mates Mental Health website and event dates CLICK HERE
Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14
Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team intake line 1300 17 55 94 - Head Office 1300 327 624
ENDS