In just six months, the generous folk at Robb College and their families have raised an impressive $30,000 for the mental health charity Are You Bogged Mate?
Apart from the fun and satisfaction of enjoying and supporting the fundraising activities - which have included a formal dinner, long lunch, and parents’ ball auction - it’s a cause dear to the heart of 23-year-old college resident Max Allingham, from North Queensland.
“Mental health and suicide is a big problem throughout rural Australia,” says Max, who is in his third year of Agribusiness studies.
“It would be almost impossible to find a rural community in Australia that hasn’t been touched by it.
The Are You Bogged Mate? cause is close to Max Allingham's heart.
"Unfortunately, people get into a spot that they believe they can’t get out of. They can think there is no-one there to give them a hand, and that it’s all their fault.
"It’s often the quiet ones, that people forget about, who struggle the most.”
Are You Bogged Mate? (AYBM) is helping to pull them out of that “spot”, through the community talks UNE alumna Mary O’Brien gives all over the country.
Her messages of support – tailored to rural men, who are disproportionately represented in the suicide statistics – have resonated with the Robb College crowd, too.
“We are like one big family and we look after each other,” Max says.
“Many of us are from a rural background and have lost family members and friends to suicide.
“Hearing from Mary at one of our formal dinners was a great experience. She helps you to think about how mental health is talked about, how to read the signs and where help is available.
"I’ve learnt how to have those difficult conversations, how to ask my best mate how he’s going and to listen without judgement.
“Men and women are different and we deal with things differently in the mental space. People from the bush are different again. With AYBM, you know that the money we raise is directly helping those in need.”
For Max, the insights he’s gained have been profound and practical. “Everyone says they are always there for their mates but I hope I can really be there,” he says. “To help even one person.”
To support Robb College’s fundraising efforts for AYBM, go to this link.
