Mental illness and the toll it takes on primary producers is the focus of an initiative featuring Clementine the cow in south-west Victoria ahead of the Royal Melbourne Show later this month.
The Angus heifer is touring the region to promote the charity Black Dog Ride which aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention and depression, particularly among people on the land.
Following her tour, Clementine, donated by Little Meadows Angus stud principals Tony and Karen Golding in Dardanup, Western Australia, will be auctioned at the show on October 29.
P.J Cattle Co's Tiffany McLauchlan is heading the tour and caring for Clementine at her family's Mortlake property and said people had the chance to get up close and personal with the cuddly cow.
"We're also telling students about Clementine's story, she's a survival of her own trauma," Ms McLauchlan said.
"She was coming across the Nullarbor [Plain] and the driver of the truck fell asleep and rolled. So she spent time wandering before she was caught so it's quite a fitting story."
In the next few weeks Clementine will visit students in Warrnambool after a tour of Colac Specialist School and the town's community hub in August.
"The students absolutely loved it, the smiles on their faces were amazing," Ms McLauchlan said.
"It's hard to believe how a cow can brighten up someone's day and they had so many questions.
"We taught them how to lead, brush and we told them about the breed and how we go to shows and prepare them."
Previously, 13 cows sold at auction have raised more than $100,000 for the Black Dog Ride since 2010.
Little Meadows stud principal Tony Golding said his family was "honoured" to offer a high-calibre heifer to the industry with all the proceeds going towards a good cause.
"We decided to offer one of our top young females as an expression of our support to all the farmers who have been affected by the devastating drought," Mr Golding said.
"The hardship it has put on livestock producers and their families is immeasurable and sadly its ongoing."
Clementine, Little Meadows Wilcoola P7 (ET) (AI), will be auctioned at the Royal Melbourne Show during the Angus judging at 12pm on Sunday, September 29.
The initiative is also supported by Quicksilver Transport, Angus Australia, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victory, Cullen Marketing and Ridley Feeds.
If this article causes you distress or if you require help or information, phone Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636.
Bryce Eishold
Bryce is a senior journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. Bryce is also the president of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Email Bryce at bryce.eishold@stockandland.com.au.
Bryce is a senior journalist with Australian Community Media's Stock & Land where he reports on all aspects of agriculture. Bryce is also the president of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Email Bryce at bryce.eishold@stockandland.com.au.
