With tongs at the ready Northside Produce Agency is hoping to make a difference and invites the Bundaberg community to its Thank A Farmer Bar-Be-Breakfast.
Northside Produce’s Milton Baker said the Friday breakfast (13 September 2019) was about showing support for local farmers.
“Everyone is feeling the effects of the drought,” Milton said.
“This is a good opportunity and a good cause for people to get behind the farmers.
“Come down have a cuppa and chat and forget about the drought for an hour.”
Northside Produce owner Brian Gordon said it would not be just a breakfast for farmers and graziers, but for everyone. He asked if people could wear their most outrageous shirt to show support.
“We are encouraging people from across the community to attend,” Brian said.
“The mental health and wellbeing of our farming community affects everybody.
“We are encouraging people from all walks of life to come along, wearing their loudest shirt to show support for our farmers and mental health awareness.”
Mr Gordon said there would be a guest speaker who would highlight strategies to identify mental health issues and ways to cope effectively with stress and deal with mental health.
Local business support
Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce vice-president Tim Sayre is also urging local businesses to show their support for the farmers who feed the community.
“We know that our local economy is underpinned by our fantastic farming community, so when they are hurting the rest of our economy is hurting,” he said.
“And while a breakfast like this can’t bring much-needed rain, it can help someone to know that they are not alone in their struggle.
“It’s a great way to show the farmers we are all in this together.”
Rally together during stressful times
Northside Produce Agency has partnered with leading animal health company Zoetis, who continues to support the mental health challenges faced by people in rural Australia through its crucial partnership with Beyond Blue.
Zoetis, who works closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farmers, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families, has helped raise $300,000 in the past three years by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches.
The money raised will go to Beyond Blue’s Support Service to continue to help more people in rural communities than anywhere else in Australia.
Beyond Blue lead clinical adviser Dr Grant Blashki said when stressful events happen together, like droughts, floods and financial worries, they could really take a toll on people’s mental health well beyond the farm gate.
He said it ripples through regional communities and touches everyone.
“If farmers are under pressure, they can struggle to afford things like animal feed, equipment and other items which they buy in their local communities, putting pressure on service industries down the line.”
The breakfast will start at 6.45am and finish 8am at Northside Produce Agency, 71 Gavin Street, North Bundaberg. There will be a free sausage sizzle plus a coffee van, raffle and lucky door prizes along with a guest speaker.
Click here to register or phone Northside Produce Agency on 4151 5870 or email info@northsideproduceagency.com.au.
All funds raised will be donated to Beyond Blue and local support services.
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