Rural communities are coming together in Delungra on Saturday, September 13, to shine a spotlight on the mental health crisis affecting shearers and shed workers at the annual Shear 4 Life Speed Shear.
With suicide claiming nine lives every day in Australia, including one farmer every ten days, the event aims to raise vital funds and spark important conversations about mental health in the shearing industry.
Proceeds this year will go to sHedway, a health promotion charity dedicated to suicide prevention and positive mental health in the shearing industry. Founded by Carol Mudford as a nurse and a shearer, sHedway delivers toolbox talks, community support, and essential programs into shearing sheds and events across Australia.
Adding to the momentum, Western Australian sheep shearer turned mental health advocate Lenny Deacon will attend the Shear 4 Life Speed Shear. As an official mental health advocate for Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, Lenny is undertaking a solo ride around Australia on a recumbent trike to raise $1 million for Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation. His story has already gained national media attention, with appearances across five states, inspiring rural communities to start conversations about mental health.
Inspired by the loss of his mate, Dippa Wheaton, to suicide, Lenny has made it his mission to put mental health on the map for the shearing industry.
Since departing Bunbury, WA, in November 2024, Lenny has cycled more than 7,000 kilometres, crossing the Nullarbor, Kangaroo Island, Tasmania, and most recently meeting Federal Health Minister Hon. Mark Butler MP in Canberra to advocate for national mental health reform.
“As a shearer myself, I know how tough life in the sheds can be, physically and mentally. This community is close to my heart, and I’m honoured to be part of an event that not only celebrates our industry but also puts the wellbeing of shearers and their families front and centre.” said Lenny as he reflected on his involvement in the ‘Speed Shear’.
Carol Mudford, CEO of sHedway, said Lenny is a true inspiration.
“His journey and passion for mental health show shearers they are not alone. Having him at the ‘Speed Shear’ is a real privilege, and his story will encourage more people in our community to open up and seek support.”
To date, Lenny has raised more than $21,858 through his ride, in addition to $45,000 from a previous 24-hour “Sheep-Shearathon” fundraiser on Kangaroo Island. Proceeds from the Delungra ‘Speed Shear’ will go directly to sHedway, while Lenny continues his national mission for Breakthrough.
“Lenny is a vital voice for our foundation,” added John Mannion, CEO of Breakthrough. “He is helping to break the silence around mental health in regional communities, giving others permission to speak and seek help.”
The Shear 4 Life ‘Speed Shear’ promises a day of family fun with shearing, market stalls, raffles, auctions, children’s activities, live music from Richie Gudgeon, and more all while uniting the community around the shared goal of better mental health.
Event details
Delungra Hotel
Saturday 13 September
From 12 noon
Follow Lenny’s journey via Facebook at Doin’ It for Dippa or donate at: breakthroughcommunityhub.org.au/yanar
For more information on sHedway, please visit www.shedway.org.au.
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