Kick Off Ya Boots film screening highlights rural wellbeing
A sold-out film screening in Murray Bridge has highlighted the importance of rural mental health and wellness.
This story was contributed by Tanya Hanckel.
Last Friday the Murray Valley Lutheran Community played host to the Little Town Productions film This Farming Life.
The second instalment of Kick Off Ya Boots was held to a sold-out audience at the John Dohler Hall in Murray Bridge.
Guests were greeted with Aussie farm-themed props which led them into a transformed hall.
This was set up with tables laden with take home bags filled with goods to enjoy, delicious supper boxes, popcorn and conversation cards to get some good conversations going.
Pre-show entertainment was provided by local talents Alex Westlake and Benjamin Gallasch.
Playwright, producer and actor of Little Town Productions, John Gladigau of Loxton, gave a short introduction.
The night was filled with fun, music and laughter. Photos: Tanya Hanckel.
The two and a half hour movie was filled with fun and laughter, songs highlighting farm life and sprinkled with Aussie country humour.
More importantly, the movie focused on the issues which affect so many who are struggling to make ends meet in a good work-life balance during stressful times, now and in the past.
It’s about normalising conversations, financial difficulties, succession planning, and all the things which make life difficult in rural communities.
At the completion of the film, Dr Hamilton from Loxton Medical spoke on the importance of reaching out to your local GP or professional counselling; these professionals can reassure and assist you with coping mechanisms in life’s tough times.
Cast and crew from the original production were present to mingle and talk with the audience, during and after the show.
Sponsors I Farm Well, Uni SA, the South Australian Drought Hub, Future Drought Fund and Rabo Bank have assisted in bringing the live theatre production to South Australian rural areas.
In Murray Bridge they thanked the Lutherans, Farmer Johns, Bunnings, John Deere, Drakes, Tony Pasin MP, and The Murray Valley Standard for the generous donations of door prizes and advertising.
Our wish is that everyone who attended not only enjoyed the evening but really
benefitted by the message; to have those meaningful and honest conversations with those whom they care about, and seek help when needed.
- Get help: Talk to your GP; find a local service that suits you at murraymallee.servicesdirectory.org.au; call Lifeline on 13 11 14; or, in an emergency, call 000.
