THE bush will again come to town to play cricket, have fun and promote a good cause this Saturday when the annual Pooncarie vs Anabranch match is held at Dareton.
The popular event will once more feature former international cricketer Steve Rixon, who continues his involvement in community cricket at the age of 69, as well as former NSW fast bowler Wayne Holdsworth.
The match will be played at George Gordon Oval from 7.30pm (the gates will open at 6pm) and, as usual, the location and start time have been chosen to encourage the biggest possible crowd to attend in the cool of the evening.
Regardless of the result, the main aim of the event is to raise awareness and funds for men's mental health and organiser Sholto Douglas said that, ultimately, the support it received from the community could save lives.
"It's just a fantastic, family-oriented cricket match," Mr Douglas said.
"You've got kids running around and you've got dads playing with sons on both sides and it's just a fun family event, but it has a cause and that is mental-health awareness, because there are just too many people who kill themselves, unfortunately."
Mr Douglas pointed out that a national road toll of more than 1000 deaths brought constant attention to road safety but deaths from suicide was triple that number.
According to Suicide Prevention Australia, more than three-quarters of Australians who end their own lives are men and the median age of those is 46.
"Cricket is a great thing, from an Australian perspective, for getting people together," Mr Douglas said.
He said the event gave "bushies" a chance to get off the farm for a while, catch up with friends, have a beer and a laugh and, most importantly, talk to each other.
"And there are (specialised) people there you can talk to," Mr Douglas said, explaining that a representative of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, a major supporter of the event, would be available.
He said it was also an opportunity for friends and family members of someone who might be struggling with their mental health to seek advice on how best to help them.
Food from Scad's mobile cafe and drinks will be available at the ground.
Sponsors and supporters include the Coomealla Wentworth Cricket Club, Bendigo Bank, the Coomealla Club, Bysouths Garage, Noah Contracting and the Pooncarie Hotel.
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 114. Men can call MensLine, 1300 789 978, 24 hours.