Riverina Local Land Services will partner with Riverina Bluebell in a milestone community event, ‘Droving the Blues Away’, with the goal to raise awareness and funds for mental health in rural and local farming communities.
Heading off from the Henty Machinery Field Days on Wednesday 21 September, cattle donated for the drive will cover 260 kilometres and visit four towns on their way to a charity auction at the Wagga Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre on Monday 24 October.
“We hope the number of cattle donated during August will create quite a sight as we move the mob along the travelling stock routes in the Riverina’s iconic Long Paddock into Lockhart, Narrandera, Ganmain and Brucedale,” said Barney Hyams, Board Member, Riverina Local Land Services.
“At each location there will be free community events designed to get people together and have some fun, while raising awareness of mental health issues and the support services available.”
All funds raised from the auction of donated cattle on Monday 24 October will be donated to respected mental health community-based organisation, Riverina Bluebell.
“Travelling stock routes have wound their way through our rural communities for years, creating a pathway to share stories and create connections, often when seasons had failed,” said Mac Armytage, Chair of Riverina Bluebell.
“Droving the Blues Away builds on this historic connection to provide a great fundraising opportunity, but more importantly, by moving a large mob along the route and creating events at each stop it is a unique way to get rural communities together to talk.”
“I encourage those who are interested, to donate fit, healthy cattle for the drive by 28 August and play their part in droving the blues away,” Barney Hyams said. “Contact Riverina Local Land Services on 6923 6300 to find out more about what is needed.”
