Vol. 20 18 No. No. 33 27 Vol.
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Wednesday,February January 28, 13, 2018 2016 Wednesday,
Naked ambition A
BY SARAH SCULLY
s a young farmer who has been through his share of tough times, Ben Brooksby knows first-hand that rural communities band together in times of need.
When his family’s St Helens Plains’ home was destroyed by fire in 2015, they were overwhelmed by support from neighbours. But while Mr Brooksby is grateful and proud to be part of a community that responds to a call to action, or a tragic event, he also recognises the importance of coming together when times are good. “Last week I went a whole day without seeing another person,” he said. “I started talking to the dog just to have someone to talk to. “That’s just the way it goes though. We love our jobs – and it’s more than a job, it’s our life.” Social isolation and a lack of community connection are key factors contributing to mental health issues in rural and remote areas. Mr Brooksby, who experienced anxiety as a teenager while living through 10 years of drought on the farm, has become a mental health advocate – although quite by accident. In May last year, Mr Brooksby, 24, shared a photo of himself near-naked in the back of a truck filled with lentils to social media. His new Instagram account The Naked Farmer was an instant hit, garnering more than 1000 followers in a week. “I knew I’d struck a chord with the wider community,” Mr Brooksby said. “This idea quickly became the framework for a social media-based business, highlighting agriculture through photos of ‘naked farmers’ with props strategically placed.”
IN THIS ISSUE
What started as a way to educate people further afield about where food and fibre comes from has evolved into a serious, yet cheeky, mental health advocacy campaign. “I still can’t believe how quickly it took off. It’s been absolutely hectic,” Mr Brooksby said. “It’s amazing so many people want to raise awareness of mental health. My mission is to raise money and awareness around mental health in the agriculture industry. One of my aims is to gather a collection of photos from game farmers who have the guts to get their kit off. After all, it takes just as much guts to talk about mental health issues as it does to get your gear off.”
Willing subjects
Mr Brooksby has been inundated with photos and willing subjects keen to participate in the project. His 2018 The Naked Farmer calendar sold out and he is planning to release both male and female versions next year. An underwear line is due to launch next month and Mr Brooksby and friend Emma Cross – who took the photo that started it all, along with many others – will embark on an Australia-wide tour in June. Mr Brooksby has donated money raised from The Naked Farmer merchandise to the Royal Flying Doctors Service mental health unit. “I chose them because their dedicated mental health professionals visit remote towns and properties to provide treatment and support, as well as mental health education for rural and remote communities,” he said. Mr Brooksby said he was excited about his upcoming The Naked Farmer tour. Continued page 5
Ben Brooksby and his dog Sasha Picture: Paul Carracher
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