Are You Bogged Mate?

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group organised event is open to everyone.

“The Are you Bogged Mate? message is for everyone, and we hope to see a full house,” Deni MHAG member Lourene Liebenberg said.

“We are inviting truckies, tradies, farmers, blue collar workers, professionals, sporting clubs, interest groups – everyone and anyone is welcome.

“Tickets are limited, so jump online today and book some spots for you and your mates.”

Tickets can be booked by scanning the poster on page 8 of today’s edition, via links on the Deni MHAG Facebook page, or at https://www.trybooking.com/CYTLN.

The event starts at 6.30pm with time for a mingle and a free, hearty hamburger meal before Ms O’Brien’s presentation. Q&A time will follow.

Ms O’Brien is regarded as a “straight down the line talker” when it comes to rural mental health, specifically when it comes to men.

The facts are that males make up 75 per cent of those who take their lives every year, and Are You Bogged Mate? and Deni MHAG believe we can all play a role in reducing the risk for our blokes.

“Despite more people talking about mental health and mental illness, the stigma remains and often gets in the way of people talking about their own struggles or seeking help,” Mrs Liebenberg said.

“It is a simple fact that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. And just like physical health, our mental health can have ‘ups and downs’.

“That is quite normal and knowing how and when to get help is important.

“This event is not just about gaining knowledge and for those who might have some challenges with their mental health, but just as importantly to get more comfortable with supporting those around you who might be ‘bogged’ and finding the right language and tools to do so.”

The event is being sponsored by many local organisations, including GrainCorp which provided seed funding and will have staff in attendance on the night.

Sponsorship and donations have also received from Elders, Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo, Nutrien Ag Solutions, SunRice, Deniliquin Freighters, Edward River Council and Fellows Bulk Transport.

In-kind support has also been provided by the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, 1521 2QN, Deniliquin Golf Club and Sivonne Creative.

Thanks to this sponsorship, attendance of the Blokes Night is free.

But guests are urged to bring some money to support the raffle, which will raise money to support Deniliquin MHAG’s volunteer run programs.

Anyone wanting to donate to the raffle can call Mrs Liebenberg on 0428 281 060 or email lourene@bigpond.com.