Take one of the nation’s favourite hobbies, throw in hundreds of enthusiastic fishos, add some invaluable support for rural men’s health and you have all the ingredients for Bayer’s Big Fish Challenge 2018.
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The team at Lachlan Fertilizers Rural Grenfell – aka Fishing Farmers Grenfell – has joined over 80 fishing-crazy teams around the country for the year-long, three-event challenge. The Grenfell Team consists of team captain Matt Bryant, Leonard Knight, Josh Liebich, Matt Smith, Andy Stevens and Farren Stevens.
“All the members of our team are keen fishos and go fishing as often as they can, so snapping a few photos to help contribute to the mental well-being of men in agriculture is just a bonus,” said Matt
While the Big Fish Challenge is nominally a friendly fishing competition for Bayer agents and clients nationwide – with 30 prizes on offer –partnering with ‘The Fly Program’ means that it will also help tackle another big issue: the mental wellbeing of men in agriculture.
The Bayer AgSpirit Big Fish Challenge is donating a dollar amount for every centimetre of the largest fish caught (per type, per team) and has committed a minimum of $20,000 to the ‘The Fly Program’ charity.
The charity, a not-for-profit organisation, aims to create life changing experiences for Australian men who need some time to recharge and reset through outdoor experiences. The winning teams will all have an opportunity to take part in a hands-on ‘Fly Program’ experience.
Ben Thompson, National Key Account Manager at Bayer commented:
“Many Bayer agents have been touched by suicide in their communities.
“We wanted to show our support and it just seemed too distant to write a charity cheque for such an important issue.
“Not surprisingly, our agents jumped at the chance to catch fish whilst doing their bit for men’s mental well-being,
“As an avid fisherman myself, I understand how a few days stalking fish gets the primal juices flowing and at its core that’s what the ‘The Fly Program’ is all about – helping people feel more grounded and alive. So, if you know someone participating, it’s a great excuse to take them out to your secret spot… for a good cause.”
Matt Tripet, CEO of ‘The Fly Program’ said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Bayer for the Big Fish Challenge.
“It ties in perfectly with the design of ‘The Fly Program’, which is about enhancing men’s well-being by bringing them together in the great outdoors as active participants. Farmers are a tough breed but there are too many suicides in our rural communities,
“The Big Fish Challenge is a great way for Aussie blokes to simply get together and throw in a line in some inspirational locations.”