“Droving the blues” launch at Henty
By Stephen Burns
Updated September 25 2016 - 9:13am, first published September 24 2016 - 4:30am
https://www.theland.com.au/story/4185585/droving-the-blues-launch-at-henty/
Riverina Bluebell committee member, Chris Wilson, Wantabadgery, officially launched "Droving the blues away", during the Henty Machinery Field days. "There is no shame in suffering from mental health, but a bloody shame not to do anything about it."
A cattle drove 'with a difference' along the ‘Long Paddock’ of the Riverina and organised by Wagga Wagga-based organisations Riverina Bluebell and Riverina Local Land Services, will raise public awareness to mental health issues.
Matthew Johnstone, Creative Director of the Black Dog Institution, speaking at the launch of "Droving the Blues Away" during the Henty Machinery Field Days - "it is about community, communication, eating well and keeping fit."
Travelling stock routes have wound their way through our rural communities for years, creating a pathway to share stories and create connections: and whilst they were originally formed for stock movement from pastoral runs to sale yards during the pioneering era, in recent years they have been more often used when seasons failed and stock were droved to better pastures.
During the official launch of the drove during the Henty Machinery Field Days, Riverina Bluebell committee member Chris Wilson, Wantabadgery, spoke of his passion for raising the awareness of mental health in the public mind.
“There is no shame in suffering from mental health, but a bloody shame in not doing anything about it,’ Mr Wilson advised.
“Check on family and friends.
“Talking about problems is the key, and you might just save a life by saying to someone ‘Are you OK?’.”
Although the proposed drove is cancelled due to closure of the stock routes, Mr Wilson said Riverina Bluebell still welcomes further donations of cattle as funding for their activities is pressing and ongoing.
“We really appreciate your support in raising awareness of the illness,” he said.
Matthew Johnstone, Creative Director of the Black Dog Institution, speaking at the launch also highlighted the need for communication in overcoming the illness.
“Having a conversation is so very vital, and ‘Droving the blues away’ is such a great initiative because it starts the conversation.” Mr Johnstone said.
“It is about community, communication, eating well and keeping fit."
Donated stock are being held in a paddock close to the regional city from where they will be sold at a celebrity auction at Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre, Bomen on 24 October, 2016.
Riverina Local Land Services Chairman Sam Archer encouraged producers, agents and buyers to bid on the cattle at the charity auction.
“I am proud of Riverina Local Land Services role in supporting our rural communities,’’ Mr Archer said.
“I encourage those who are interested in purchasing cattle during the auction to play their part in ‘droving the blues away.’.’’
To take part in this milestone community event and raise funds for local mental health initiatives, the community can:
Donate suitable cattle to take part in the drive and make it an unforgettable experience
Bid in the Charity auction at the Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre on Monday 24 October 2016, where all funds raised will go to Riverina Bluebell.
Participate in the free community events along the stock route during September and October 2016 at the following locations:
Lockhart, Friday 30 September 2016
Narrandera, Friday 7 October 2016
Ganmain, Friday 14 October 2016
Brucedale, Friday 21 October 2016