THE CRITICAL topic of rural mental health has been in the spotlight at agricultural field days across the country with former test cricketer Brad Hogg speaking about his mental health journey.
Mr Hogg, born and raised in rural Western Australia at Williams in the southern wheatbelt, played across test, one day and 20-20 formats for Australia and became a cult hero for his performances in the Big Bash well into his mid-40s.
During his keynote address at the Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed in north-west Victoria, Mr Hogg spoke about the importance of destigmatising mental health issues and talking more openly about problems.
"We want people to know that they're never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it," Mr Hogg said. "It's all about starting conversations that will make a positive change and help save lives."
Mr Hogg is currently touring major agricultural field days across the country as part of a role in Grain Producers Australia's mental health initiative.
GPA has teamed together with Rural Aid, Lifeline and Nufarm to spread the message across rural Australia as the inaugural ambassador of the Farmer Mates Mental Health initiative.
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