The Cause
We know it can be difficult to comprehend the extent of drought in a thriving city, or beach environment. However, the realities of harsh Australian conditions and natural disasters are devastating for our farmers and rural communities. Many find themselves in a place where they feel helpless and alone being up to hundreds of kilometres from the closest GP or counselling services. Our qualified counsellors are an essential part of reducing the isolation felt, by visiting the farmers and their families where they live.
In 2018, we introduced our Mental Health Counselling program to meet the increasing crisis in the bush. Today, we have four counsellors across rural Australia who have held over 2,000 counselling sessions with our registered farmers. Each counsellor on the ground requires a yearly $150,000 commitment to cover salary, cars, travel and more as they traverse our massive country.
Our Beach 2 Bush Ride 2019 aims to raise enough funds to place a new counsellor in rural Australia, to develop long term relationships with individuals, families, community groups and other non-government organisations to help build a holistic approach to community support.
There can be no cost put on this service in terms of lives saved, hence we are committed to growing the program to 15 counsellors over the next two years. We need to do more to help save our rural families, our farmers and rebuild the concept of a caring community. And by peddling your way to the next Bush town, you can make a major difference.