Temora farmers are getting ready to drag their mental health through the mud next Saturday with the inaugural Active Farmers Games.
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Aimed at building collegiality between mental and physical health, the games are the brainchild of Mangoplah trainer and farmer Ginny Stevens.
"We chose Temora because a lot of the communities we work in are centered around there," said Ms Stevens.
"It's really the centre of the farming community too, and a lot of that community are really struggling at the moment."
Described as "Tough Mudder with a rural twist", 200 people from all over the nation are expected to descend on Lake Centenary for the half-day event.
"We've sold tickets for 24 teams, each team has three people in it, and we've got tickets for three more teams to join," said games founder Ginny Stevens.
"We're expecting 81 participants, 55 volunteers and counting, and then support crew as well, so it's going to be a big group."
Teams will be challenged to complete a lap of Lake Centenary, and overcome "uniquely rural obstacles" along the way.
Hurdles include climbing over hay walls, and carrying tractor tyres.
"There will be a bit of water involved, they'll get a bit muddy, but it's designed to be something that's completed as a team.
"You can't leave someone behind and still complete it."
Not a race against time, the games are intended to prompt a strong message about supporting each other through difficulty.
"It's meant to simulate real life struggles and experiences, for example, if you're battling mental health, you're going to get through it better if you've got a team with you," said Ms Stevens.
With a week left until the games commence, Ms Stevens is hoping to see the event taken to capacity.
"Teams are $15 per person, and it'd be so good to sell out our teams, especially because it's our first games."
Aside from team event, the day will also feature a primary school obstacle course, free medical check ups, and entertainment.
As well as appearances from country singer Fanny Lumsden, and Gus Worland of the documentary series Man Up.
Founded by the Mangoplah farmer in 2015, the Active Farmers network supports the mental and physical health needs of rural communities across the country.
One of the larger activities offered by the group is their exercise bootcamp. But while the group's 23 personal trainers found it easy to attract women, the number of men was lacking.
"We decided the games would be a good way to get men involved, that's why we've made it so that every team has to have at least one man and at least one woman," said Ms Stevens.
If you, or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline.
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78