Ewe Matter Mate is a story of community involvement, engagement, and the drive of two friends to make a difference to loved ones touched by mental health and wellbeing challenges.

PGG Wrightson Livestock Administrator, Heather Wright shares her story of tenacity and how she turned her own family tragedy into triumph.

“Ewe Matter Mate grew from conversations on my morning walks with a friend, Maria Couper who works at Rabobank. She had concerns for young shepherds going through tough times and my brother, a farmer, had completed suicide in the past 5 years. We talked a lot about what services are available for young people and our farming communities” explains Heather.

Heather and Maria continued chatting about how they could raise funds and increase the profile of those providing support. They believed that by normalising conversations around mental health and raising awareness in a fun way, they could bring communities together.

Armed with the hope of raising a few thousand dollars at small race night at the Matawhero Saleyards Cookhouse, Heather and Maria shared their idea with PGG Wrightson Regional Livestock Manager, Jamie Hayward, and Rabobank AMA, Andrew Allan. Their response: “go BIG girls”.

Heather says, “We went BIG. We soon had a fantastic collection of auction items including baches, artworks, garden sculptures, a signed AB’s training jersey to name only a few. The donation of these, along with products and services from local business, was overwhelming”

The Rabobank Community Fund jumped on board very early with a $9,000 donation, and PGG Wrightson contributed a $1,000 donation. This, plus other sponsorship gave the event some standing in the community.

The night itself was a remarkable success and a sold out event. Heather says, “The 200+ attendees had a good laugh and catch up with friends, which is what we had hoped for. With five televised horse races, the opportunity to buy a racehorse or be the jockey, a tote, a well-stocked bar and auction we raised $55,000. These funds will be distributed to Hear 4 U (a local men’s mental health charity), Gisborne/Wairoa Rural Support Trust, Will to Live and Farmstrong.”

Heather and Maria have received very positive feedback and plenty of queries about when they will be putting on the next one: Ewe Matter Mate Too.

Heather reflects, “We touched a nerve. This is an issue that is so widespread, and nights like ours can hopefully normalise conversations around mental health and wellbeing.”

The team effort to host the night included help and support from Abi Solomann and Chris Payne at PGG Wrightson, Karen, Janet, Lynda and Matt at Rabobank, Neville Clark who auctioneered, plus family and friends who pulled out all the stops to bring the night together.