PURLEWAUGH is a small village that's hoping to make a big difference to the way rural people view mental health.
On January 17, the village, 30 kilometres east of Coonabarabran, will host a black tie ball to raise funds for The Black Dog Institute, a leading research and education body on mood disorders, and Miners Promise, an organisation which provides support to the families of miners in tough times.
The ball is in memory of local man Pete McGoldrick.
Mr McGoldrick was a fun, energetic young person with a wicked sense of humour, but lost his battle with depression in May this year.
Purlewaugh charity ball committee president Dan Korff said the event was all about raising awareness of depression and the importance of communicating mental health issues in rural communities.
"The ball is about bringing rural people together to expand their networks and take home a fresh perspective on mental health to share with their own communities.
"Pete enjoyed a party and a drink surrounded by his family and friends, so come along with the same spirit and together we can make a big difference," Mr Korff said.
n Contact Dan Korff, 0447 418 485.
