Southern NSW farmer inspires others with Helping Mate CD

A farmer from Stockinbingal in southern NSW has stepped up his campaign to help others with the launch of a unique CD especially designed for rural men to learn about overcoming depression and other mental health issues. 

John Harper first developed the “Mate Helping Mate” program in 2006 to raise awareness of the need for mental wellbeing, now he has produced a CD to reach a wider audience. 

NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (NSW DPI) Rural Support Worker Pip Brown said the Department is proud to support the CD which will help the rural community. 

“This is an honest and inspiring account of overcoming depression and I congratulate John Harper for his campaign over the last six years in increasing the awareness of mental health issues,” Ms Brown said. 

“Many rural people have attended John’s “Mate Helping Mate” program and have been helped in some way by his brave battle with depression. 

“The CD makes it easy and convenient for anyone who hasn’t been able to catch one of the “Mate Helping Mate” presentations to hear John’s story, so his work can now reach more people. 

“It traces John’s journey, he talks candidly about his experience with depression and how it damaged his physical health, as well as his business and personal relationships, and how he managed to overcome it and help others along the way. 

“That’s when I decided a CD, that could be played in a ute or tractor at a convenient time, would be a great solution for these men.” 

The CD has been produced through a funding partnership between NSW DPI’s Rural Support Program, the Outback Division of GPs Brolga Program and the Rotary Club of Dubbo South. 

John Harper said since overcoming depression his mission is to now raise awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing in rural areas, especially during hard times. 

“For whatever reason some men were unable or reluctant to attend one of the presentations I have made in recent years and their womenfolk were telling me that they wished their husbands, sons or brothers could benefit from my story,”
Mr Harper said.  

“I believe my story on this CD gives people who are isolated, for whatever reason, an opportunity to realise that life can always get better.”

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