More than $50,000 was raised at the Active Farmers ‘Cherry Ride for Resilience’ event in Australia’s cherry capital of Young in the South West Slopes of NSW.
Active Farmers is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building stronger and more resilient farming communities through a range of activities.
The ‘Cherry Ride for Resilience’ was held on the weekend of 22 April and included presentations by Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones; Olympic skier, Jacqui Cooper; and NRL legend, Wayne Pearce.
Also included was a 137-kilometre gruelling charity bike ride which commenced in Young and continued through Boorowa, Harden and surrounding areas.
Corteva Agriscience was a major sponsor of the weekend with staff also assisting at the event. The company has a keen focus on farmer health and ‘Cherry ride for Resilience’ was an occasion that resonated with its values.
Corteva Agriscience marketing communications manager Karen Deane said Corteva also sponsor and are heavily involved in a range of physical and mental health initiatives throughout the Australian agricultural industry.
The event and fundraising commenced on the Friday night with a cocktail evening at Grove Estate Winery and an inspiring and motivational talk by Wallabies Rugby Union coach, Eddie Jones.
Ms Deane said it was a chance for many of the 200-strong crowd to quiz the coach on the Wallabies’ chances in the World Cup to be held in France later this year.
“He was quite positive about the Australian team’s chances in a very even field of countries from the southern and northern hemispheres.
“Bike riders gathered under very chilly conditions early the next morning and embarked on their journey after some motivational pep talks.
“Morning tea and lunch pit stops were supported by Margaret House, an organisation that provides emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence or people who find themselves homeless due to crisis.
“Community and team spirit were the theme of the day and the supporters, volunteers and riders delivered.”
Ms Deane said the surrounding region provided some stunning scenery, with rolling hills and silo art with the chilly start making way to some perfect weather.
“Three pelotons crossed the finish line to warm applause, smiling faces and hugs from families.
“That evening a dinner was held at Young Services Club where prizes were given to riders and the crowd was entertained with talks from Olympic aerial skier, Jacqui Cooper and rugby league player and coach, Wayne Pearce.
“Both embodied the theme of resilience with their personal stories on how they’ve achieved their levels of success despite many setbacks and injuries.
“Corteva was very proud to be part of such a successful, uplifting and important event designed to help Australian farmers.”
On a serious note, Ms Deane said there is a high prevalence of mental illness in rural areas and our farmers are approximately twice as likely to take their lives by suicide.
“Active Farmers run exercise classes for rural communities that have limited access to classes and equipment, promoting physical and mental health. They currently have over 60 existing Active Farmers communities, 47 trainers and 1630 participants.
“The exercise classes provided by Active Farmers really help in creating a sense of community and belonging that goes a long way towards maintaining positive mental wellbeing and suicide prevention,” she said.
