COUNTRY communities will come together for fun, cricket and conversation around good causes on Saturday night.
The annual Pooncarie versus Anabranch cricket rivalry will resume at George Gordon Oval in Dareton this weekend as they battle for the Greg Jolley Memorial Trophy.
More importantly the event is a time for communities to get together, open dialogue and raise funds to support their own.
The event has always been in support of men’s mental health programs, with Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (or RAMHP) playing an important role each year.
This Saturday will show a shade of pink as it is registered as a fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation, supporting breast cancer care nurses across Australia.
NSW Baggy Blues players including former Test cricketer Matthew Nicholson and three-time Sheffield Shield winner Wayne ‘Cracker’ Holdsworth will be in support of the evening, plus will run a junior training session Sunday morning.
Event organiser Sholto Douglas said funds raised can help save local lives.
“We have registered with the McGrath Foundation as well to make this our ‘Pink Test’, so to speak, so Anabranch will be wearing pink and Pooncarie will be in blue,” he said.
“We know how big of an issue men’s mental health is especially in the bush.
“The same can be said for breast cancer, so many of us have affected by it either directly or indirectly, or know of someone who has.
“We just thought this year we might tweak it a little bit just to include two different reasons to raise some money.”
An almost 300-strong crowd came to last year’s event and Douglas is hoping for a similar turnout.
“It’s just a really fun family night where anyone who comes along can also receive plenty of information on these ailments that have a big effect on our lives,” he said.
“McGrath Foundation care nurse Louise James will be here and will be giving a presentation plus we have plenty of support for the mental health side of things.
“Weather looks like it’s going to be great which should make for a good night.”
The Twenty20 game is set to begin at 7.30pm, with entry by gold donation and meals available to purchase.
Sponsors and supporters include the Coomealla Wentworth Cricket Club, Bendigo Bank, the Coomealla Club, Bysouths Garage, Noah Contracting and RAMHP.
*Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 114. Men can call MensLine, 1300 789 978, 24 hours.
