Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg will be attending the Mingenew Midwest Expo on Friday 12 August 2022, to share important messages about the importance of mental health.
Brad will be catching up with local farmers and community members, as part of Grain Producers Australia’s new national mental health awareness initiative. He is also scheduled to speak on the main stage at the Expo, from 3.10pm to 3.45pm, as part of the day’s activities.
GPA is also the peak national grain representative body for WAFarmers and the WA Grains Group and the three farmer organisations are proud to be sharing this important opportunity with their members and local farmers and community members.
Brad is born and raised from a farming family in regional WA and is currently an ambassador for Lifeline WA. GPA’s partnership with Rural Aid, Lifeline and Nufarm allows 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.
Rural Aid counsellor, Gome Simfukwe, will also be at the event with Brad on the day to chat with and answer any questions, including to explain what counselling is about and how mental health support can help provide support for farmers and their families.
Brad is looking forward to attending the event at Mingenew to meet and connect with GPA’s WA members and other farmers and community members, as part of this initiative.
Pic: Aussie cricket legend Brad Hogg - inaugural ambassador of GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health program - speaking at Eyre Peninsula Field Days this week, in Cleve SA.
“Growing up in a farming community and having many friends and family still involved in agriculture, 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.”
GPA Chair and local grain producer, Barry Large, said GPA and their State Members in WA are excited to be able to support former Australian cricketer and mental health ambassador Brad Hogg speaking at the Mingenew Midwest Expo and mixing with local farmers and community members.
“It’s an ideal opportunity for producers to catch up with Brad and hear about his story and message to farmers about the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Recent years have been very challenging for grain producers with COVID-19, farm labour shortages as well as the usual seasonal fluctuations and production challenges and that’s why it’s critical that we continue to provide ongoing awareness and support for farmer health.
“We know other farmers and leaders in the region are also doing some fantastic work in this space – especially Brad Millsteed from the #6Bs – which is also helping to make a real difference.”
Who: GPA Farmer Mates Mental Health Ambassador – Brad Hogg.
Where: Mingenew Midwest Expo, Mingenew, Western Australia
When: Friday 12 August 2022 – speaking event 3.10pm-3.45pm.
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
ENDS
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