This is a moment of reflection for Australia.

While the referendum result is not the one Beyond Blue had hoped for, we remain hopeful that all Australians want to heal divisions and create a better future together.

First Nations peoples are nearly three times more likely to be psychologically distressed than other Australians, and twice as likely to die by suicide. Racism and exclusion harm mental health and wellbeing.

As the national depression and anxiety initiative, Beyond Blue is guided by evidence. For First Nations peoples, the research clearly shows that social and emotional wellbeing is strengthened when self-determination is at the heart of decision-making. That’s why we supported the Voice and believe a First Nations community-led approach to mental health will lead to better outcomes.

The referendum result will be distressing, particularly for many First Nations peoples.

We want to reassure everyone that Beyond Blue is available with free, immediate mental health advice and support for everyone. However you voted, whatever your views, Beyond Blue is here for you. Crisis support from First Nations counsellors is available from 13 YARN.

As we emerge from this chapter in our nation’s story, we must maintain hope that a better future is possible. That this was not our only chance at healing.

Beyond Blue will not waiver in our advocacy and our support for better mental health for First Nations peoples, standing proudly as allies in the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusion and reconciliation.

We remain committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and open to its generous and dignified invitation to walk with First Nations peoples towards a better future.

An estimated 69 thousand new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australian women each year, and almost 20 thousand are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer impacting females across the country. 

Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes will be shining a spotlight on these staggering statistics this October, as the store turns pink to raise funds, and awareness, for women’s cancers. 

Proceeds will go towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the McGrath Foundation, and the Cancer Council. 

Throughout October, there will be a range of events the community can support, including: 

Treats for Teats (October 17) the team will be hosting a huge bake sale for customers and surrounding businesses. 

Sausage Sizzle (October 24) swing by the store for a lunchtime sausage sandwich and show your support for Pinktober. 

Ladies Night (Thursday, October 26) the team will host a panel featuring an LPG pharmacist, physiotherapist, naturopath, and doctor in an event designed to provide women with a chance to ask all female-health related questions. There will also be giveaways, raffles, drinks, and nibbles. 

“We want the women in the Forbes district to feel supported and know they have services, and experts available, in their local community, every day, not just throughout the month of October. 

“If you’re wandering past Flannery’s Pharmacy over the coming weeks, come in and have a chat, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re here to help. And if you just want to offer a dollar or two for support, we’d love that as well” Pharmacist, Tracey Edwards, said. 

All Pinktober events will be held at Flannery’s Pharmacy, 99-101 Rankin Street, Forbes, NSW. 

Australian farmers are seeking mental health support at almost twice the rate they were seeking assistance last year, according to trusted rural charity, Rural Aid. 

In the past two months, Rural Aid counsellors have conducted 277 counselling sessions, a 95 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. 

Rural Aid’s counselling helpline is currently fielding an average of 13 calls each day from primary producers. 

Rural Aid’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Myf Pitcher, said the range of topics that farmers are worried about has also recently widened. 

“Our farmers have moved from states of stress to states of desperation,” Myf said. 

Sheep and cattle farmer Ron Dooley said the Rural Aid counselling service helped him get through a difficult time after the Black Summer bushfires. 

“I had a bit of a mishap when I was fighting the front of the fire. I couldn’t see where I was going and I ran into a dam wall and stalled the tractor with the flames coming through the bottom of the tractor,” Ron said. 

“After talking with Darren from Rural Aid, he [helped me to make] some decisions on what to do when feeling like that, and it did help,” Ron said. 

Rural Aid counsellors catch up with their farmers where they’re most comfortable; whether it’s on farm, in town, or over the phone. 

Contact Rural Aid’s counselling intake line on 1300 175 594.