On May 21, 2025, municipal workers and contractors from across southern Tasmania gathered at Kingston Twin Ovals for a powerful Mental Health Awareness Forum hosted by the Kingborough, Clarence, and Huon Valley Councils. The keynote speaker was Mary O’Brien, founder of the nationally recognised initiative Are You Bogged Mate?, which focuses on rural men’s mental health.
O’Brien, a passionate advocate for agriculture who was raised on the land, shared her unique insights into the mental health challenges faced by men in rural and remote areas. Drawing from her experiences working alongside country blokes, she emphasised the importance of recognising when someone is “bogged”—a metaphor she uses to describe being stuck in depression or mental distress. Her approach aims to break down the stigma associated with seeking help and to connect rural men with the professional services available.
The forum provided a safe space for attendees to engage in open discussions about mental health, learn how to identify signs of struggle among peers, and explore practical ways to offer support. O’Brien’s relatable language and down-to-earth delivery resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom work in physically demanding and often isolating roles.
This event is part of a broader effort to address the rising issue of depression and suicide rates among men in rural areas. By initiating conversations and providing resources, initiatives like Are You Bogged Mate? Aim to confront the challenges that municipal works staff and their families face daily and to light the path to support.
The success of the Hobart forum highlights the crucial need for ongoing dialogue and support structures within municipal workplaces. As O’Brien aptly puts it, “We all get bogged sometimes; it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and getting a hand up when you need it can go a long way.” Municipal Works Australia is planning to hold similar forums in other rural and regional locations.
For more information on upcoming events, visit our Events page. To access mental health resources, visit areyouboggedmate.com.au.
