“The small conversations we have with each other are extremely powerful and make a big difference,” said Denise Price, Psychologist, North West Hospital Health Service.

Heeding this nurturing advice, MMG Dugald River teamed up with Sisters of the North and Cloncurry Council to host an interstation cricket match at the Burke and Wills Roadhouse. The event saw local men from stations across the region connect through taking part in cricket matches and fun activities.

The idea came about in response to a Community survey conducted by the Cloncurry Shire Council. Nearly half of the survey responders supported attending an inter-station sporting event.

The free community cricket match catered for all ages with local stations nominating teams. The champion side was rewarded with prizes bought from local businesses, giving them a helping hand as well.

Some men have difficulty expressing how they feel even if they are having a bad time. This can be compounded by masculine stereotypes that expect them to ‘be strong at all times’ and even feeling shame if they don’t.

“We know that men get a lot of support just by hanging out and knowing what’s going on with their mates,” said Martin Brownlee, Dugald River Mine, Safety Health and Environment Superintendent.

“MMG Dugald River was proud to support the event with the ‘small conversations make a big difference’ theme aligning with the Good Health and Well Being Sustainable Development Goal.”

Some 150 people participated in cricket matches and, importantly, created an opportunity to have great conversations thanks to the encouragement of MC Tony Toholke.