A collaborative venture linking The National Trust with South Australia Health and womens shearing will run “Blades of Shearing” competition at historic Glencoe Woolshed, Mt Gambier, SA, next year in support of suicide prevention.
To spread the word on suicide prevention, South Australia Health has granted $10,000 in support through the South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grant Scheme.
The “Blades of Glencoe” competition will relive the days of old fashioned blade shearing including continuous demonstrations and a speed shearing competition.
It was suggested to the National Trust by a group of female shearers who already had a major success to their credit, having raised $30,000 with their “Ducks on the Pond” day at Harrow, Victoria.
The women approached the National Trust through blade shearing guru, Richie Foster, asking that proceeds be shared with organisations that take the stigma out of seeking mental help, particularly for rural men.
Rural mental health is such a hot topic that a network quickly evolved and SA Health hosted a Suicide Prevention Network seminar at the Woolshed in May, opened by local councillor Rob Dycer and Premier's Advocate for Suicide Prevention, MLC John Dawkins.
SA Health Senior Project Officer, David Thompson, said the South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grant Scheme (SASPCGS) will support the event to raise awareness, break down stigma, and increase connections within the community that can save lives.
Janine Midgley, speaking for the female shearers, said the day was their way of trying to make a difference, to save lives and bring some awareness into the world.
“Life has thrown me some blows and mighty challenges but I've survived,” Ms Midgley said.
“Still every day is a challenge; I have lost many friends and am involved with work mates and farmers who are struggling in silence.”
This collaborative venture links The National Trust, SA Health, Wattle Range Council, the Suicide Prevention Networks, Lifeline South East and those vital instigators, the female shearers and the Blade Shearing Revival Group.
Their message, 'It’s OK not to be OK. Just ask.'
On the choice of Glencoe Woolshed as a venue, Ms Midgley said Glencoe Woolshed was the real deal.
“just the same as it was in 1863, And the National Trust has the experience of a similar day in 2015, which attracted thousands of people,” she said.
Blades of Glencoe will be held on Sunday March 10, 2019, and is open to shearers from all over the world.
Competitors at different skill levels will demonstrate the ancient art of blade shearing and vie for cash prizes. Tickets will be sold online from November.
Glencoe Woolshed near Mount Gambier was built of limestone and hand carved timbers in 1863 and still stands in its original condition, ready to click back to life whenever sheep, blades and strong skilled arms are available.