The Bogan Bush Fellas gathered for the final time in 2022 this week with a great gathering of fifteen local blokes in a jovial setting at the Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre. 

The regular morning tea has proven to be very successful, with all those attending sharing stories, laughs and a chance to relax with mates. 

In a Bogan Shire Council initiative, local men have an opportunity to gather fortnightly to catch up and yarn following several years of drought, flood and a pandemic, all which have seen cases of mental health issues skyrocket as rural men navigate the tough roads of the times.  

“The Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre has been the venue for two very successful Bogan Bush Fella gatherings with 15 “Fellas” attending the first and 17 the second,” said Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis.  

“In the new year some of the group members will be taking on the responsibility for organising the group, holding events and future meeting themes.” 

“Feedback from participants have been hugely positive – allowing them the opportunity to re-connect with old friends. It is really great to see that our new Centre is being used for the purposes for which it was intended by all sectors of our community,” said Mr. Francis. 

Ninety-year-old John White attended the second session and was lavish in his praise of the morning.

“It was great to sit up and talk to everyone at the Morning Tea,” said Mr. White. “I don’t get out much since Joy my wife passed away and it was nice to be able to talk to people I know about the past and the present,” he said.  

“The morning Tea was very good, and I am looking forward to the next session,” Mr. White said.  

Plans for 2023 are in full swing and some of the members are going to be contributing by way of music, playing guitar, singing, reciting poetry or games championships. 

“It’s a great concept”, said Mr. White.