As part of Grain Producers Australia new mental health awareness initiative, cricketing legend Brad Hogg will be hosted by the NSW Farmers at AgQuip on Wednesday, August 17 at 12.30pm, to share important messages about the importance of mental health.
GPA’s partnership with Rural Aid, Lifeline and Nufarm will allow Brad to share his personal story and messages about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention at events throughout Australia, as the inaugural ambassador of the Farmer Mates Mental Health initiative.
Brad is born and raised from a farming family in regional WA and is currently an ambassador for Lifeline WA. He is looking forward to attending AgQuip to meet with NSW Farmers members and other farmers and community members, as part of this initiative and to share these important messages which he’s extremely passionate about.
Brad said being able to share his story with farmers in an informal setting will help 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,” he said.
“This is a great way to help others recognise the signs they need to look out for with friends or family who might be struggling, and encourage them to reach out for help when needed.
“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.”
Heidi Gray, Rural Aid counsellor, will be there with Brad on the day to chat with 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.
NSW Farmers Grains Committee Chair Justin Everitt said he hoped the initiative would help start a conversation and shed more light on the issue of mental health in our rural and regional areas.
“We need to start talking about mental health more, particularly in the country and within our farming communities. Initiatives such as this are so important to help spark a conversation that could ultimately save someone’s life,” Mr Everitt said.
GPA Chair Barry Large said: “One of the main messages we want to share with other farmers is the importance of mates talking to mates and doing what we can to look out for each other”.
“We’re extremely grateful for Brad’s leadership with the support of Lifeline, Rural Aid and Nufarm, to help make this happen and create some positive impact.”
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
More Info. Click HERE