LAST month the Fraser Coast hosted a group of “country” men that created friendships that some will last forever.

‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ is an organisation that is all about helping country blokes. They reach out to the rural community about mental health and suicide while spreading awareness about depression in the bush.

Last month, through the in-kind support of local charity Rally For A Cause, brought a group of 16 ‘Bogged Brakes’ men to the region and enjoy the offerings of what makes Fraser Coast the best place to live.

Setting up their base at Susan River Homestead, the group enjoyed many locations including Whale Watching on the Tasman Venture.

The weekend also included a morning walk with local Men’s Mental Health group Men’s Walk and Talk Hervey Bay followed by a breakfast at the Hervey Bay Surf Club Mary O’Brien, founder of 
‘Are You Bogged Mate?’, said the weekend played a very important role for some men who are facing many challenges in the rural environment.

“Rural men find it hard to ask for help; this is our chance to bring together a group of men with a love of the land and experience the benefits of the Fraser Coast”, says Mary.

“It’s an opportunity for you to get away, relax, make friends, build connections, and develop skills to un-bog yourself and others.”

Mary’s organisation began with an article “Are You Bogged Mate?” that instantly connected with tens of thousands of people across the world through social media platforms.

The men were provided dinners from a number of local caterers including Low'n'Slow BBQ Shack, Cooky’s Woodfire Pizzas and Undisputed BBQ.