![Hay Cutters vice-captain Andrew Low and captain Manning Doughty with the team. Hay Cutters vice-captain Andrew Low and captain Manning Doughty with the team.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-agfeed/2077454.jpg/r0_0_600_400_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
HAY Cutters rugby captain Manning Doughty, Conargo, is proud to be a part of the club that has just donated $3000 to the R U OK? initiative.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Mr Doughty said a chat at the saleyards, a conversation across the neighbours' fence or a catch up at the local watering hole is a great way to start the conversation - as is mixing mental health awareness with sport.
The Cutters raised the funds at their rugby ladies day held on May 31 which saw visitors from as far as Sydney, Wagga Wagga and surrounding towns come together.
"Small communities can have a big impact and the money raised just goes to show how strongly Hay feels about bringing awareness to an issue that can be very real in country towns," Mr Doughty said.
"Sport is a great way to tap in to starting the conversation and giving locals a bit of confidence to speak up if they aren't travelling too well.
"We all come from the land and it's comforting to see everyone banding together for a good cause."
R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire Australians to have meaningful conversations throughout the year to help anyone who might be struggling with life.
By getting more people to ask ‘are you ok?’, the organisation hopes to create a world where everyone is connected and is protected from suicide.
Visit www.ruokday.com