In rural towns like Deniliquin, New South Wales, resilience is a way of life, but talking about mental health hasn’t always come easy.
That’s beginning to change, thanks to passionate local volunteers and grassroots initiatives that foster connection and open conversations.
At the Blokes Night held at the Deniliquin Golf Club, over 150 local men gathered for an evening focused on mateship and mental wellbeing. The workshop was organised by the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG), a volunteer-led organisation committed to breaking down stigma and creating safe spaces for mental health dialogue across the region.
Backing regional wellbeing
This year’s program was supported by a grant from the GrainCorp Community Foundation, which provided funding for a mental health workshop delivered by Are You Bogged Mate? – a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting rural men.
“The GrainCorp grant was a perfect fit for our focus on rural mental health, especially within the farming community,” says Lourene Liebenberg, a volunteer with Deni MHAG.
“For us, it’s about making mental health conversations easier and more accessible.”
The workshop was led by Mary O’Brien, founder of Are You Bogged Mate?, who has travelled all around Australia to provide practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable tools to help men care for themselves and their mates.
Local voices, lasting impact
The Blokes Night workshops are a cornerstone for Deni MHAG, part of a growing movement to keep mental health front and centre.
“We’ve been running these events for about four years now – at least one every year,” Lourene says. “We’ve got a fantastic team and a really supportive community behind us.”
The outcomes are stronger social networks, increased awareness, and better support for those who need it.
Among the attendees was Taj Payne, Assistant Site Manager at GrainCorp Deniliquin, who sees firsthand the impact of supporting community-led initiatives.
“It’s great to work for a company that backs events like this,” Taj said.
“A lot of farmers are men, and many are struggling in silence. Supporting something that helps them feel seen and supported is incredibly important.”
#ShareTheLoad
Deni MHAG’s latest campaign, #ShareTheLoad, encourages people to open up about everyday stressors before they become overwhelming. The message is clear – having a chat with someone is an easy way to share the load.
The campaign highlights how small, persistent pressures can build up and affect wellbeing and how talking to a friend, family member, or even a helpline can make a real difference.
GrainCorp’s Community Foundation Grants Program supports local organisations working to create stronger, more connected, and more resilient regional communities. Grants are awarded twice a year and are open to initiatives that align with GrainCorp’s focus areas of mental health and wellbeing, sustainability, inclusion, and community development. Find out more, here.
