Suicide is gaining wider recognition as an issue people must face and talk about as a community, something Kaniva's Hannaton merinos appreciates.
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On Wednesday, the stud organisation sold a ram for $4500 and donated the money to mental health support organisation BeyondBlue.
Owner and manager Jonno Hicks said this year in particular, there had been a lot of extra stress in Kaniva, off the back of the coronavirus pandemic and the South Australian border closure.
"We thought it was an appropriate year to support the work of BeyondBlue," he said.
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"Normally we would pick a ram from random, but this year we chose lot number nine as a tribute to a young person in Kaniva who took their own life in 2014. Nine was their football number. They are a lovely family that have obviously had some tough times with their child, so it was only a small thing to do.
"We were thrilled when he sold well: He was equal top price in the sale."
The sale continues a trend of the stud giving the earnings off one ram to charity, which it has been doing since 2004. Mr Hicks also thanked Elders, which donated their commission on the charity ram.
"We've been lucky to have a lot of support from our clients," he said. "I think we've raised $30,000 in the years we've been doing it and Elders have donated $1800 worth of commission."
He said the ram season the pandemic had slightly affected the number of sales the stud made.
"Just with people from South Australia struggling to get through," he said.
"We have had the interfaced online, so a few bidders from New South Wales and South Australia purchased online. We still had a great sale, but it's a strange year.
"COVID-19 has really affected wool markets around the world, but we were really thrilled with our result on the day."
- World Suicide Prevention Day occurred on September 10
- Two in three regional Australian affected by suicide, data shows
- If you, or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Help on 1800 55 1800 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
