Gumboot decoration for mental health
Alexander Poljansek

Alexander Poljansek
Posted on 04 May, 2024

Gumboot decoration for mental health

Agfest 2024 marks the beginning of a special new event, the Gumboot Parade, which encourages Agfest attendees to give their favourite gumboots a special makeover.

The event was a huge success, with close to two dozen participants from all age groups and an enthusiastic audience watching from the barriers of the Tas Petroleum Central Arena.

There was an exciting range of designs ranging from flowers and rainbows, to cartoon characters and intricately decorated landscapes.

The event showcased the creativity of its participants but also has another purpose. Agfest has a long-standing partnership with RAW Tasmania, and the Gumboot Parade is intended to raise awareness for its Wellbeing Program.

The mission of RAW is to improve rural mental health and prevent suicide, tackling life stressors and isolation.

RAW employs a wellbeing officer who travels to regional Tasmanian community and provides support for people who are struggling mentally.

“Our dream is we have one of these officers in every region of the state” says Agfest CEO Karen Robinson, who helped design and organise the Gumboot Parade.

She is sure the event will continue: “the press we had here was beyond my wildest dreams”.

So get your paints and gumboots ready for next year to help raise the profile of raw, and the brilliant work they do.

You can check out RAW at www.rawtas.com.au.

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