16/01/2026
A powerful reminder of how deeply alcohol harm impacts our rural mates. 🙏Have a read!
If you’ve missed our references that link alcohol harm, misuse, and addiction to rural su***de over the years, here’s another (ugly) reminder.
This is why we consistently have a call-to-arms that when you’re organising rural events, workshops, gatherings, mental health initiatives (etc) that *properly thoughtful* alternatives to alcohol such as zero alc beers, sparkling water with fresh lemon and lime, and non-sugary sophisticated options are mandatory basics that need to be included at events, in ticket prices, at rodeos, in rec rooms as a basic right to choice; just like we do with Gluten Free versus Gluten.
In the same way some people get sick if they have gluten, some of our mates get ‘sick’ or far worse if they have alcohol. Simple as that. And they, too, deserve choice and support.
What we hear a great deal about from vulnerable rural men, in particular, is that whether they’re cutting back on booze for mental health reasons, OR, they realise they have to go sober or die ... the hurdles they face can include social disconnect from friends who’ve always associated them with ‘being a big drinker’ or worse, total ostracism.
To us, this is absolutely unacceptable.
We speak in the rural space endlessly about su***de, safety, and mental health - and what we need progressive orgs, leaders and individuals to be doing is connecting these dots and helping us go ‘upstream’ and save lives.
To those who are stepping up, stepping in, and catering properly - we can never thank you enough for your support. You are being the change - and the impact is incalculable to those around you. Thank you.
