A race meeting with a difference at Dubbo on Sunday has brought a showcase of mental health support into the heart of the community.
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Conversations joined sport as the aim of the Boys’ Day Out Race Day hosted by Dubbo Turf Club.
Lifeline Central West was one of the organisations represented trackside and executive director Alex Ferguson said the day encouraged men to reach out.
“It’s probably the first time ever that Lifeline has ever been involved with a horse race, but the simple reality is that we want to be talking to the community, in the community,” he said.
The grassroots action came as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and health minister Greg Hunt pledged a $33.8 million cash injection to boost Lifeline Australia's 24-hour telephone service.
“And that’s because Lifeline certainly beyond the hours of 5 to 8 in the morning does a significant amount of the heavy lifting in terms of emergency mental health and community supports,” Mr Ferguson said.
He praised turf club general manager Vince Gordon and his team, Steve Gower, a driving force behind the day and the community and sporting groups taking part.
“There’s no heavy sell here, it’s just a matter of saying if you need help, 13 11 14, or any one of a number of other organisations,” Mr Ferguson said.
