Successful Men’s Night Out: Supporting Our Mates Brings Community Together

Warren Davies - the Unbreakable Farmer

Kerry White - Inverell’s Ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

CEO and Founder of sHedway

The Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) hosted a highly impactful Men’s Night Out: Supporting Our Mates on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Glen Innes Services Club. The event brought together over 184 community members to address mental health challenges and support rural men.

The evening featured a lineup of compelling speakers, including Warren Davies, known as 'The Unbreakable Farmer', Kerry White, an Ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and Carol Mudford, the CEO and Founder of sHedway. Each speaker shared personal stories and valuable insights into mental health and well-being, emphasising the importance of community support.

Casey Chard spoke on behalf of the Kayne Wells family, saying, “While organising Wellsy's funeral, we knew we wanted to give back to this amazing community that brought us much strength during such a difficult time. We also knew that we wanted to raise awareness and support our rural men with their mental health. With this in mind, we approached Kylie and the GLENRAC team for their assistance in facilitating an event that would do just this.”

“Tonight was not just about discussing mental health, but also about equipping our community with the necessary tools to tackle these issues,” said GLENRAC CEO Kylie Falconer. “We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout and the positive energy in the room was palpable.”

Warren Davies captivated the audience with his journey of overcoming significant personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of community support. Known for his candidness and relatability, Warren shared how he faced a series of life-altering events, including severe droughts, floods, and personal loss. His story of resilience and recovery resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the vital role of community and connection in overcoming adversity.

Kerry White’s presentation on prostate cancer awareness highlighted the critical role of early diagnosis and the impact of support networks. Carol Mudford discussed sHedway’s mission to support mental health in the shearing community, drawing attention to the importance of proactive mental health initiatives.

Charlie Fittler, a talented country music singer from Guyra, provided musical entertainment throughout the evening, adding a special touch to the event.

The event brought people together, gave them important information about mental health, and encouraged people to talk more openly about their well-being.

Many attendees said they were thankful for the chance to hear others’ stories and know how to get support when they need it.

Casey Chard thanked the audience, “Thank you for supporting your mates, deepening your understanding of men’s health, and, in particular, mental health. Your presence here tonight is a testament to the strength and unity of our community.”

The proceeds of the raffle will go to sHedway, supporting their efforts to improve mental health in the shearing community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of the night: Hunter New England & Central Coast Primary Health Network, the Kayne Wells Memorial Fund, Rotary Club of Glen Innes, Centacare New England North West, and Glen Innes Men's Shed. Donations for the raffle were generously provided by Rotary Club of Glen Innes, Ben's Falls Retreat, Say & Co Rural, Elders Glen Innes, GrazAg Glen Innes, Second Time Around Saddlery, Kemp Shearing, and Shearing Supplies Dubbo.

Building on the success of this event, GLENRAC plans to host additional workshops and support sessions aimed at improving mental health and community resilience. “We are committed to continuing this important work and supporting our community,” added Kylie Falconer. Upcoming mental health workshops with Sarah Green from Highway to Well are scheduled for September 2024. To register, visit www.glenrac.org.au/events-all.

The Men’s Night Out: Supporting Our Mates was a resounding success, demonstrating the strength and solidarity of the Glen Innes community. GLENRAC looks forward to organizing more events that empower and support the rural community.