“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.” Brad Hogg
CRICKET legend Brad Hogg will attend the Mallee Machinery Field Days to share important messages and highlight the importance of mental health among rural communities.
His visit is part of a new mental health awareness initiative with Grain Producers Australia (GPA), and throughout the opening day of the field days, Brad will be a part of the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Making Our Farms Safer stand.
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 hails from a farming family in regional WA and is currently an ambassador for Lifeline WA.
He is looking forward to attending the Mallee Machinery Field Days to meet with VFF 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 would 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.”
Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Group president Ashley Fraser said he hoped the initiative would help start a conversation and shed more light on the issue of mental health within rural and regional areas.
“We need to start talking about mental health more, particularly in the country and within our farming communities,” Mr Fraser said.
“Initiatives such as this are so important to help spark a conversation that could ultimately save someone’s life.”
GPA chair Barry Large said it was important for farmers to look out for each other.
“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,” Mr Large said.
“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.”
