Hi Landcarers

This week we finally said goodbye to the eucalyptus melliodora that have graced the front of our building.

Due to the potential hazard that they pose they had to be removed, but it was sad to see them go. The arborists did an amazing job in wet weather.

Have you heard about ‘The Ripple Effect’? After nearly twelve months of preparation the site is expanding on 30 June.

The Ripple Effect is an online tool designed to investigate what works to reduce the self-stigma (negative attitudes you have towards yourself) and perceived-stigma (negative attitudes you believe others have about you) among males from the farming community, aged 30-64 years, who have been bereaved by suicide, attempted suicide, cared for someone who attempted suicide, have had thoughts of suicide, or been touched by suicide in some other way.

The website provides an opportunity for anonymously sharing experiences in a peer-supported environment, increase knowledge and literacy about the experience of suicide and encourage a positive cycle by which the disruption of the negative feedback of self-stigma and perceived-stigma will also reduce stigma in others.

The Ripple Effect has been funded by beyondblue and is made possible through partnerships with many organisations all working together with one goal.

There site will include video stories and postcards by members of the farming community who will talk about their experience of suicide. It provides valuable information to help people look after themselves and others and includes videos from health professionals and stigma experts from farming communities.

The website encourages people to turn information in practical action and assist you to set your own personal goals.

Lastly, learn about what resources are available in our area to enable people to get support locally and nationally. Go to http://www.therippleeffect.com.au

We are getting closer to the commencement of the Green Army Team. The group of young people (17 – 24 year olds) will be commencing soon and out and about working on local projects after some training is out of the way.

If you would like to know more about the Green Army projects or if you have a project on your property that you think that they could be involved in, please get in contact with me.

In the warmer months we will also be looking for seed collection sites, with the intention that we will be able to propagate our own plants, with particular attention to indigenous plants.

Have you thought about being involved in the Landcare Motley Crew? Our first Forbes Motley Crew will commence as part of National Tree Day (NTD) activities on Saturday, 29 July between 10am and 1pm. We will be planting on a site off the end of Angus Clarke Drive (off Back Yamma Road).

Our next Parkes Motley Crew will be held as part of National Tree Day in Parkes, also between 10am and 1pm, but on Sunday 31 July. Parkes NTD will be held at a site off the Condobolin Road, 3.7km from the turnoff at Bogan Street.

Both days include a barbecue lunch and activities for the kids. But remember that the focus of the day is getting outside and planting a tree, enjoying being part of our community and encouraging others.  If you can’t plant, it doesn’t matter, bring your chair out and be part of the day.

Please let me know that you are heading out so that I can cater for lunch. Just register at the NTD website at http://www.treeday.planetark.org, give me a call on 02 6862 4914 or email me at cwllpo@hotmail.com

Until next week, happy Landcaring!