Free talks: Are you bogged mate?
8 June 2022
Hawkesbury City Council's Recovery Team is pleased to be hosting Mary O'Brien from ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ for three special sessions in June with plenty of time for Questions and Answers!
Are you bogged mate? is all about helping country blokes talk about mental health and suicide while spreading awareness about depression in the bush. Depression in rural areas is a lot like getting bogged in the mud. It might have been just a sticky patch of the road or paddock where the vehicle stopped moving, maybe you needed low range or a winch to get yourself out. But what happens when you get properly bogged? When it’s down to the running boards, sitting on the chassis, you are not getting out of this one easily – that’s the kind of bogged we mean. Country blokes are facing challenges like never before and it takes guts to admit you’re bogged. We’re making sure people are connected with the right hands to pull them out.
Mary is a passionate advocate for agriculture and was raised on the land. She understands the diverse challenges faced by the rural sector.
After spending her whole life working in rural and remote Australia, Mary knows country blokes. She’s worked with them, for them, and beside them and mostly importantly, she knows how to talk with them. This down-to-earth perspective is what helps connect men with life-saving support services.
The Are You Bogged Mate? story has been featured on ABC's Landline. For more info visit
Food will be on deck half an hour before the talk for each session. Mary will talk for around 45 minutes so you will be in and out in under 90 minutes with some extra help and a full belly!
If you could RSVP to 0428 137 048 or email hubs@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au to help us with catering numbers that would be much appreciated. If you can’t make the June talks, you can always connect with some local services. Call 0428 137 048 for more information.
Free talk dates
Monday, 20 June at Wisemans Ferry
- Free Bacon & Egg Rolls from 8:30am, Talk at 9am
- The Retreat - 5564 Old Northern Rd, Wisemans Ferry
Monday, 20 June at Wilberforce
- Free sausage sizzle from 4:30 pm, Talk at 5pm
- Wilberforce School of Arts Hall, 531 Wilberforce Rd, Wilberforce
Tuesday, 21 June at Bilpin
- Free Bacon & Egg Rolls from 8:30am
- Bilpin Hall - 2596 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin
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