Are you Bogged, Mate? Down-to-earth advice for rural men mired in tough times

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Guest speaker Mary O’Brien knows that many women are concerned by the challenges facing their men in rural communities.

While aimed at men, our FREE Are You Bogged Mate? events at Kerry and Kalbar are also open to women.

Come along and enjoy a free barbecue dinner and music, and hear Are You Bogged Mate? CEO Mary O’Brien talk about the issues facing country blokes and the life-saving services available to help them get back on track.

📆 Friday 22 April, 2022
📍 Kerry Hall, 1488 Kerry Road
⏱ 5:30pm – 7:30pm

📆 Saturday 23 April, 2022
📍 Kalbar School of Arts Memorial Hall, 63 Edward Street
⏱ 5:30pm – 7:30pm

To RSVP, email [email protected]

 

A speaker whose message resonates with rural communities and connects country men with potentially life-saving services will feature in two free evening sessions in the Scenic Rim this month.

Council is proud to host the events where Mary O’Brien, CEO of mental health initiative Are You Bogged Mate?, will share her insights into the issues of depression and suicide among rural men and the support services available to help them get back on track.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen urged those doing it tough to take the first step in moving forward and register for either of the events at Kerry on Friday 22 April or Kalbar on Saturday 23 April.

“The recent floods have compounded the challenges our community has faced since 2019 alone, from drought and bushfire to COVID-19 and, for many, these are tough times,” he said.

“In rural areas, depression can be like being bogged in the mud.

“Sometimes it’s possible to get yourself out, but when you are really stuck, sunk down to the running boards and sitting on the chassis, it’s time to get some help.

“While some might see it as a weakness, it actually takes courage to admit you can’t go it alone and to reach out for a helping hand.”

Winner of the 2020 Queensland Men’s Health Award, Mary O’Brien is a passionate advocate for the agricultural sector.

Having been raised on the land, she has lived on the Darling Downs since 1992 and understands the challenges faced by the men she has worked alongside.

She founded her Are You Bogged Mate? website and Facebook page in 2018 to support men on the land, who were facing challenges as never before, and to provide a voice for those who were suffering in silence.

“We know there are many men who are not getting the help they need because they are reluctant to see someone or talk about their concerns,” Cr Christensen said.

“While depression and other mental health issues affect men and women equally, the number of deaths by suicide is three times higher among men than women and men are more likely to die as a result of alcohol or drug use than women.

“Country men are even less likely than their city counterparts to seek help, which is why Mary O’Brien’s Are You Bogged Mate? is such a valuable opportunity for those dealing with that black mongrel dog, depression.”

The free Are You Bogged Mate? evenings will include Mary O’Brien’s presentation, a free barbecue dinner and music.

These will be held at the Kerry Hall on Friday 22 April from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and at the Kalbar School of Arts Memorial Hall on Saturday 23 April from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. To register, email Andrew Hayes [email protected]

Funding for these events has been provided through the Category C Bushfire Funds thanks to the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy and the Australian Government.