Mr Farrell, the founder of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners charity drive, posted an emotional video on the group’s Facebook page, explaining that he had just learned of the death of a farmer mate.

“The pressures of drought on farmers is absolutely horrendous at the moment. This farmer’s no longer with us, I got notified today,” the devastated trucker said.

“He couldn’t get his cattle to market because they were too poor. He couldn’t sell his property because it is worth nothing. Couldn’t feed his cattle because he didn’t have enough money to buy the feed or the freight.

“So he’s gone.”

Mr Farrell, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s birthday honours list, said he was gutted by his friend’s death.

“Every award in Australia cannot bring a life back,” he said.

Mr Farrell acknowledged the government had recently increased some drought relief measures, but called for further assistance for farmers facing hefty freight costs.

”I would hand back my award to have this bloke back,” he said.

A report released late in 2017 showed the suicide rate in rural areas was more than 50 per cent higher than in the cities.

The Rural Suicide Prevention Position Paper, released by the Centre for Remote and Rural Mental Health in December found the suicide rate per 100,000 people was 15.3 in rural Australia and 10 in cities.

Chris Wilson from Riverina Bluebell, who farms at Wantabadgery, said there was no doubt that drought was a time of stress.

But, he warned, rain may not alleviate mental health pressures.

Mr Wilson said there was certainly a greater awareness in the community, but he said it was still hard for people to take the first step towards getting assistance.

He said family, friends and the wider community could play an important role in encouraging people to seek help.

“There is no shame in mental health issues,” he said.

For help, call Lifeline on 131 114, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 or visit www.riverinabluebell.org.au