Since 2018, the ‘Are You Bogged, Mate?’ program has been connecting rural men who are feeling ‘stuck in the mud’ with the right help to get unbogged.
Founder Mary O’Brien spends a lot of time raising awareness about spray drift, but a series of events compelled her to talk about something that disturbs her even more than spray drift.
She has seen country blokes facing challenges like never before and needed to say and do something. She started ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ to help with rural men’s mental health and more specifically, rural male suicide.
Australian males between 15 and 45 years of age are one of the highest risk categories for suicide. Men are three to four times more likely to take their own life than women and the further you move from the coast into regional, rural, and remote Australia, the more that figure climbs.
And that is why she created ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ because depression is a little like being bogged and as we all know, we often need help to get out when the tyres are deep in the mud.
The program has helped connect country men with the right kind of help and support that understands the different challenges they face.
From that success the program has now branched out to ‘Bogged Brakes’ and this play on words is about getting country men to put the brakes on and have a break.
“We know how hard you fellas work and often don't take any downtime to empty your bucket,” Ms O’Brien said.
“Bogged Brakes is a short getaway specifically designed for rural blokes to take a load off and unwind.
“Put on the brakes and take a break. Because a tractor’s only good if it stops to refuel every now and then.”
‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ corporate sponsor Nufarm is proud of the program’s success – and now expansion.
“Recognising the unique challenges faced by rural communities, the program has been a vital resource, fostering a sense of mateship, support and promoting the welfare of individuals and communities alike,” said Nufarm Australia commercial general manager Peter O’Keeffe.
“The introduction of ‘Bogged Brakes’ marks a significant step forward in the program’s ongoing efforts to assist those in need.
“It’s great to see Mary adding this concept to the innovative approach she has been taking with rural men’s mental health over the last five years."
Men aged over 18 years old who live in rural area and work as farmer, truckie, FIFO or DIDO in need of a break are encouraged to apply online at: www.areyouboggedmate.com.au
The first break will be on the Fraser Coast region in Queensland from 24–28 August 2023.
