John is a 'bloke from the bush' who has passionately advocated the wisdom, knowledge and strategies of lived experience of people who live in rural and remote communities throughout Australia. John was raised, schooled and worked in the Manning Valley before moving to Stockinbingal in the Riverina to the family wheat/sheep farm.

Mate helping Mate wellbeing strategies are based on simple philosophies: a mate enjoys the good times with you and a good mate is by your side when you are battling adversity, and in helping another you help yourself in regards to mental wellbeing.

The success of Mate helping Mate lies in the ability to relate on common terms with everyday folk, "from farmers, locals and health workers about what works (and what doesn't) for helping people struggling in remote and rural communities."

"John's presentation is a must for our community following the hardships of drought, bushfires and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," MidCoast Renewal Committee's Taycee-Lea Jones said.

"John aims to help show what works and what doesn't when it comes to approaching mental health issues in rural communities like ours."

The talks are being given at the following locations:

Please contact 047 8769173 for more information about this event.