Bus to beat the blues

Beyondblue's bus tour is covering more than 30,000 kilometres across NSW, which started off with a stop in Bathurst on August 18.

The big blue bus stopped in Orange, Manildra, Dubbo and Warren as well as the Condobolin Show.

Beyondblue rational roadshow project manager Tim Moran said the roadshow had received great support so far, especially from Western NSW communities.

"It's hugely important for us to get out there and provide more awareness," he said.

"We've got people coming up and opening up to the staff which is one of things we are aiming for."

Mr Moran said the main aim of the roadshow was to provide community members with an opportunity to open up, not only to them, but also with the information about local organisations who can help also.

"It's about taking that first step and having the conversation which is integral, not only for themselves but the people around them as well."

The bus tour made a special stop in Manildra, a community which raised more than $37,000 for Beyondblue following the loss of several young people to suicide.

"The rate of suicide in rural and remote areas is 1.6 times higher than in major cities.

"At particular risk are male farmers, young men and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."

After leaving Warren last Sunday, the bus headed to Far West NSW this week.

Click on the above image to see more photos from the bus visit in Manildra

The bus will spend 10 weeks in Queensland after Lightning Ridge before returning to NSW where it will travel in the Murrumbidgee region.

The tour will wrap up in Victoria next May.

To see the full itinerary click here