Depression in the bush is a lot like getting bogged in the mud.

It might have been just a sticky patch of the road or paddock where the vehicle stopped moving, maybe you needed low range or to winch yourself out.

But what happens when you get properly bogged?

That will be the focus of the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group’s 2025 Bloke’s Night at the Deniliquin Golf Club on March 12.

It is free to attend, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organisations.

The guest speaker will be Mary O’Brien, who is the founder of the charity Are You Bogged Mate?

The organisation’s aims align with those of Deni MHAG. It is all about helping country blokes talk about mental health while spreading awareness about depression in the bush, and breaking down the stigma associated with seeking help.

“Mary has a great connection to the bush, having worked in rural and remote Australia and around country blokes - working with them, for them and beside them,” Deni MHAG member Lourene Liebenberg said.

“Mary conveys her message in relatable ways, using analogies blokes can relate to.

“We want to encourage all our blokes to come along, and hope to see teams from workplaces, organisations and sporting clubs support this event.”

The event will also focus on sharing information and resources about Deni MHAG’s local campaign, #Sharetheload.

This campaign encourages conversations about mental health and “sharing the load”, and signposts the ways to help for farmers, their mates and people living and working in the country.

Deni MHAG is a local mental health charity, run by volunteers, which aims to educate, reduce stigma and provide pathways to help for those who need it. The group relies on donations and grant funding to deliver its programs.

“To continue to do our work, we do need community support,” Mrs Liebenberg said.

“The support we have received thus far, from many local businesses and organisations to make this event a reality, has been amazing.

“The seed funding for this event is from a GrainCorp grant Deni MHAG applied for last year, aimed at increasing literacy about mental health, reducing stigma and signposting the way to help through a well-publicised #Sharetheload campaign.

“We hope to run a raffle at the Blokes Night, and perhaps even an auction for a bit of fun and fundraising. If businesses or individuals would like to donate prizes or auction items, please call me on 0428 281 060 or email lourene@bigpond.com.”

Bookings for the free but ticketed Blokes Night are limited, so you’re encouraged to book early. Use the QR code on page 6 or go to https://www.trybooking.com/CYTLN.

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.

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