THE YOUNG faces of agriculture in Moree are coming together to embrace their industry and raise money for a cause that hits close to home.
This year, the Young Aggies in Moree have joined the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) of NSW Next Generation to run the Gold Rush Ball.
Young Aggies is a network of people under 35 who live in and around Moree, and who are involved in ag.
The ball will take place at Moree Town and Country Club on September 26, with proceeds raised going towards mental health initiative R U OK? and the ASC Scholarship Fund.
Young Aggies member, Fiona Norrie, Moree, said the group made a unanimous vote support R U OK?
"Mental health is a big issue in the country, especially with so many farmers struggling out west," she said.
"We want to get behind eliminating the stigma associated with mental illnesses and help those farmers in anyway we can."
Miss Norrie said life on the land can be a struggle at times and the ball is hoping to boost the support for those who need it.
"Although we have received some timely rain, the effects of a long dry spell are still being felt," she said.
"We need to make people aware of the help that's out there, and that they know where to turn when times are tough."
The Young Aggies group was formed last year after some of the members decided they wanted to create a way for young people associated with agriculture to network with each other, and were supported by the Gwydir Valley CGA in doing so.
Miss Norrie said there was quite a strong population of young agricultural professionals in Moree, whether they work as agronomists, rural bankers, farmers or chemical representatives and the group was a way to bring all of the different industries together.
"It just gives members from all agricultural industries the chance to get together and appreciate the culture we have in the area," she said.
"It's also allowed us to facilitate events like the Gold Rush Ball and collaborate with different industries."
With a large youth population dedicated to the rural lifestyle in Moree, Miss Norrie said it was important they felt supported as the lifestyle can be overwhelming.
"It allows everyone to have agricultural professionals within their social circles that are able to help them professionally, even if it's just answering questions" she said.
"We'd like to become a resource that new young people involved in ag can use as a base for both social and professional networking."
Tickets for the ball are $80 and can be purchased from www.trybooking.com/isas
The young Aggies Facebook page also has a link for the event.
To sponsor the ball email the Young Aggies young.aggies@gmail.com
