"It’s like being bogged, sometimes you can pull yourself out and sometimes you can't " says Mary O’Brien, an agronomist from Dalby in Queensland. She founded "Are You Bogged Mate" after losing two mates to drought-related suicide.

She has spent her life working in rural and remote Australia and says there’s a disconnect in the way depression is being communicated to country men.

Her second language is agriculture, her third is "bloke", and she’s coming to the Upper Murray to talk to locals in a way that no-one else can. Are You Bogged Mate helps rural blokes talk about mental health, suicide and the ‘mongrel black dog’.

She relates depression to getting bogged in the mud - it might just be a sticky patch where you need low range or a winch to pull you out, but what happens when you get properly bogged – when you aren’t going to get out of this one easily?

“Country blokes are facing challenges like never before, but it doesn’t mean you need to get stuck in the mud,” Mary said. "There are plenty of places to go to get a tow, and it takes guts to admit you’re bogged. We’re making sure you’re connected to the right hands to pull you out."

Pending the Queensland border restriction being eased on 30 November, Mary is being brought to the Upper Murray by Corryong Baptist Church and All Saints Anglican Church in Corryong, and will speak at two events.

LADIES LUNCHEON: At a free lunch for women at 12pm. This session is not suitable for under 15 years old, Mary will explain what causes men to not open up. BYO drinks. Click here to register for the Ladies Luncheon.

MEN'S ROAST DINNER: A free roast dinner at 7pm is for the men only. Men are encouraged to bring a young male with them (15 years and older). BYO drinks.

Both events are limited to 100 registered users under COVID restrictions.

IMPORTANT: It is expected this event to be in high demand. It is important that if you can no longer attend that you let us know on 1800 518 222.