A conversation at the pub has grown into a major community fundraiser aimed at encouraging Bourke men to speak more openly about mental health and look out for their mates.
The Mental Health Fundraiser will be held at the Port of Bourke Hotel from 5.30pm this Friday, 17 July, featuring a camp oven dinner, guest speakers, auctions and several local men facing the clippers for the cause.
James Grant, Branch Manager of Nutrien Ag Solutions Bourke, said the idea began in one of the places where many important conversations between local men often happen — over a drink at the pub.
“It all came about through just a general conversation at the pub, of all places, about raising awareness and some funds for groups that are doing big work in that space,” Mr Grant said.
The discussion quickly turned to how the Bourke community could become more involved, support mental health organisations and, most importantly, start and continue conversations about an issue that often remains hidden.
Mr Grant said it was surprising how many men were quietly struggling with their mental health, often without the people around them realising.
“It’s a bigger problem than we all probably recognise, and we don’t talk enough,” he said.
“I’m really hoping that Friday night is the catalyst that everyone has the conversation with workmates, loved ones and mates.
“It doesn’t matter who it is. It spans the entire community, and I guess that’s why it’s a community event.”
While Friday night will offer plenty of food, entertainment and fundraising, the central message is a serious one — men do not have to face difficult periods alone, and a simple conversation with a mate can be an important first step.
All money raised will be donated to Tradies In Sight and NALAG, two organisations working in mental health awareness, support and suicide prevention.
A major auction will be held throughout the evening, with around 40 to 50 donated items expected to go under the hammer.
Auction items include a split-system air conditioner, pizza oven, air fryer, pressure washer, wet-and-dry vacuum, eskies, an oilskin vest, half a sheep, a Weber cooking pack and a range of camping, retail and local business packages.
A collection of photographs featuring local identities will also be auctioned, with the images set to form part of a fundraising calendar currently being developed.
Mr Grant said Fiona Bowden and the event photographer Naya Jeffries had put a considerable amount of work into bringing the calendar and photo auction together.
Local men Rob Stephens, Hamish Gordon and Don McLean will also put their hair on the line, with all three set to be shaved as part of the fundraising effort.
Mr Grant said the willingness of local people and businesses to contribute had helped the fundraiser grow well beyond the original conversation at the pub.
Organisers are hoping to raise at least $5,000 on the night, although Mr Grant hopes the Bourke community will push the final total much higher.
“I would have thought that if we can raise $5,000, that will be a fair result,” he said.
“But I hope that number gets blown out of the water.”
The evening will be hosted by MC Lachlan Ford, with Bruno Efoti and Andrew Logan appearing as guest speakers.
What began as a Friday night fundraiser has also expanded into a full day focused on mateship, connection and men’s wellbeing.
The Bourke Ice Bath Crew will begin the day with a plunge at the Port of Bourke at 6am, followed by a tradies breakfast in the town centre.
Mr Grant said the broader program provided more opportunities for people to catch up, check in with each other and make conversations about mental health feel more normal.
“It’s all about having conversations, catching up with people and looking out for one another,” he said.
The strong community response has also opened the possibility of making the fundraiser an annual event.
“Given the reception that it’s got, it’s something we need to continue in the future,” Mr Grant said.
A camp oven dinner will be served on Friday night, costing $20 for adults and $10 for children.
The Mental Health Fundraiser begins at 5.30pm on Friday, 17 July, at the Port of Bourke Hotel.