Garema drought support event shifts venue on promise of rain

Community members from Garema are inviting people from Forbes and surrounding areas to come along to a free event to hear from some inspiring speakers and find out more about drought support.

The event is on Thursday, March 5 from 9:30am at Garema Hall and everyone is welcome to attend.

Guest speaker Sam Bailey will share his story of tragedy, triumph and romance. Sam is a C6/C7 quadriplegic who has conquered his disability to become a successful farmer, ultralight pilot, inspirational speaker, best-selling author and role model for children.

While Sam is in the area, through the generosity and support of the Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network, he will be speaking to students at the Parkes and Forbes High Schools.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinator Di Gill said there would be something for everyone including a Grease and Oil Change (health check), kids' corner with childcare and jumping castle and a free morning tea and lunch.

"We want people from the these smaller communities to come together and learn more about how they can help themselves or others with mental health issues as well as hear from some inspiring people and ask questions in a safe environment," she said.

"With the bushfires and the ongoing drought we felt that it was important to bring information and services to the community as well as provide some entertainment and relief from the ongoing drought."

Event organiser and local farmer Tom Norris said he was inspired to get this event off the ground after he attended a similar event at Kiagartha (near Condobolin) during the Millennium Drought.

"This event was a turning point for my own mental wellbeing and I wanted to give the same opportunity to others," said Tom.

"I really wanted to bring people together and give them the chance to talk to someone if they are having trouble coping with their mental health.

"The ongoing drought can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing and it's really important that we are proactive in providing helpful information and resources to smaller communities such as Garema."

Tom described that Kiagartha event as "just the best day" but he hadn't planned to attend. His sister took him along.

He'd encourage those who recognise the need in someone else to do the same for them and encourage them to get along to this gathering.

Tom says the event is a combined effort between the Garema Hall committee, the Forbes Shire Council, RAMHP, the Department of Primary Industries Rural Resilience Program, the Country Women's Association, Forbes' Men's Shed, the Forbes Lions Club and the Rural Fire Service.

"We are appreciative of all the support that our sponsors provide," Tom said.

Service providers attending include RAMHP, the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), DPI, Red Cross, Marathon Health, Relationships Australia, Catholic Care as well as health checks being facilitated by Western Sydney University and Western NSW Local Health District.

For more information or to RSVP please contact Tom Norris 0429 478 157 or Claire Nicholson 0431 878 943.