$5K target smashed as Bourke backs mental health

Organisers, speakers and inspirations - Peter Lienesch, Jo Efoti, Teagan MacLachlan, James Grant, Andrew Logan, Fiona Gale, Lachlan Ford and Bruno Efoti. Photo: Ian Cole

Story by Chris Rieger

A first-time community fundraiser at Bourke has delivered vital support for mental health support groups, Tradies In Sight and NALAG, while opening an important conversation about mental health.

$50,000 was raised at the Port of Bourke Hotel on Friday night, with further proceeds still to come from sales of a calendar featuring photographs of local identities – ten times more than the initial target.

More than 100 people attended an evening of guest speakers, head shaves, a camp oven dinner and spirited bidding on donated auction items.

Ros Milgate watching on as local member Roy Butler loses his eyebrows. Photo: Chris Rieger

The event grew from an informal conversation only weeks earlier about encouraging people to speak more openly, recognising when someone may be struggling, and looking out for your mates.

Co-organiser and auctioneer extraordinaire James Grant, from Nutrien Walsh Hughes, said the turnout and result had exceeded every expectation.

“It was great to see such a large crowd for the event, which pleasingly smashed all expectations,” Mr Grant said.

“It really shows what a great community Bourke is.”

Generosity was evident before the auction had even begun, with the head shaves already raising more than $3,000 as people donated for a turn with the clippers.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler was among those who put their hair on the line, while goods, business packages, and photographs of local identities later went under the hammer. One portrait by Naya Morton Photography sold for $1,600.

Local mental health inspiration, Peter Lienesch spoke candidly about his own mental health struggles, saying the decision to share his story had become a driving force for change.

He reminded those present that opening up can help others do the same and stressed the importance of keeping conversations about mental health going. […]

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