Hear about coping with drought at Womboota night out for blokes
A special Blokes Night Out is to be held at Womboota for southern Riverina farmers, featuring the Mate Helping Mate founder and Stockinbingal farmer, John Harper, as guest speaker.
Industry & Investment NSW Southern Riverina drought support worker, Don Burrowes, said Mr Harper will speak on how he has coped with drought and his own challenges with living on the land.
"John started the Mate Helping Mate self-help community program in NSW," Mr Burrowes said.
"He will tell his story about how he dealt with tough times on the farm and depression.
"John developed Mate Helping Mate after experiencing his own black dog and has been very successful in raising awareness of the need for mental well-being in times of stress and anxiety.
"His informal approach encourages men to share their concerns in a relaxed environment over a beer and a barbeque."
Mr Burrowes said male farmers from throughout the southern Riverina were invited to Blokes Night Out.
"The night will start with a barbeque and afterwards John will tell about his experiences in coping with stress and depression, "he said.
"It is also a good opportunity for male farmers to get away from the farm and socialise with others burdened by the same pressures.
"An Industry & Investment NSW drought support worker will also be there to provide the latest information on drought assistance, along with Centrelink staff."
The Blokes Night Out will be held at the Womboota Community Hall on Tuesday October 27 at 6.00 pm.
Further information is available from Don Burrowes on (02) 6033 4245, 0427 324 033, or don.burrowes@industry.nsw.gov.au
Numbers are limited. Please RSVP to Don Burrowes by 23 October.
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Media contact: Tom Braz 02 6391 3579, 0428 256 596