Mental healing the focus of upcoming shearing competition

Mental health will be the winner at the second annual Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear in Bombala on 17 June.

The event is held with the mental wellbeing of regional folk front of mind.

The competition will be held at the Imperial Hotel Bombala.

Gates open at 7 am and organisers are still inviting shearers to nominate.

They can do this by nominating through the event’s Facebook page or on the day.

The shearing competition starts at 8 am sharp.

Shearing categories include novice, intermediate, senior and open, with a prize pool of more than $24,000.

There will be a novelty event during the lunch break that involves teams of three people.

The event is to celebrate the life of Mitchell Power who tragically took his life in December 2021.

It is also celebrating his 24th birthday this year.

Mitch is described as being one of the best.

He was a popular young man, a great son, partner and brother, as well as a very talented shearer.

He travelled around Australia and New Zealand pursuing his love of shearing.

Organisers hope this year’s event will exceed the crowd of 400 who attended last year.

The event will focus on mental health in the shearing industry and encourage young men like Mitch to speak up if they are experiencing mental health issues.

The 2022 event proceeds went to assist a young family in need and funded two mental health awareness evenings in Bombala.

More than 30 members of the Bombala community attended and opened up about mental wellness and how best to support each other.

The proceeds of this year’s events will go to “Are you bogged, mate”, and Monaro Family Support which are counselling and support networks for those struggling with mental health within the agricultural industry and the Monaro region.

The event organisers will continue to work closely with Monaro Family Support Service to provide mental health awareness evenings for the Bombala community.

There will be lots of raffles happening on competition day with amazing prizes.

There will also be live entertainment at the Imperial Hotel at the conclusion of the event by the band Fractured Minds.

There will be a coffee van on site and food and drinks available from the Imperial Hotel all day.

The organisers sincerely thank all the local businesses and residents who have donated to the cause.

For more information, contact Adelle Berry via email.

Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467.