ABOUT ROC

There’s a tendency in the bush to say, “She’ll be right”. We’re very good at looking after other people, but the worst when it comes to caring for ourselves. - Pat Tripodi

How ROC came to be

David Post and John Harper had been discussing the effectiveness of the kind of informal outreach they had been doing, and the obstacle of having to present for treatment that kept so many people from seeking help. This discussion turned to how they might formalise that informal process of outreach so it was sustainable, and the idea of Rural Outreach Counselling was born. 

How will ROC work?

• ROC's services will be delivered by accredited counsellors and supported by active community members, or "MateKeepers" who have undergone training workshops and discussion groups initiated by ROC.
• Funding secured for ROC will cover the basic cost of counselling so the services may be provided at a minimal charge to rural families. No individual or family will be refused support.
• ROC will have two levels of out reach: the professional face-to-face and the "MateKeeper" program, which will seek to have key people within communities to be confident first-responders.
• Accredited and professional counsellors have indicated that if running costs can be covered through ROC sponsorship they would be prepared to provide their services.
• ROC is an incorporated body with governance structures, business plan and accountability measures in place.

BECOME A MATEKEEPER TODAY - CONTACT US ABOUT HOW

Who are we?

PATRICK TRIPODI

PRESIDENT
​MATEKEEPER

I’ve lived in the Riverina region all my life. I have a family member who suffers depression and both my best mate’s daughter and my sister-in-law died by suicide. So for me, the issue of depression and its effect on families is very personal.

We need to make people aware that there are things we can all do to help others to get help. I couldn’t help those people in my life, but I can certainly do something now to help others.

In my role as President, I’ll be trying to spread the message as far as I can to garner support for the program. I’m also part of a group called the Calos (motorcycle) Riders Club that has been raising funds and awareness for mental health for years. We’re supporting and partnering with ROC to reach out to those who may not otherwise seek help.

DAVID POST BA, BSW, JP

RELATIONSHIP, PERSONAL  & FAMILY COUNSELLOR

I’m a trained professional – bush born and bred with a massive passion for regional Australia. I’ve worked for many years in the field of relationship and family counselling so I have a deep understanding of how mental ill-health manifests in the bush.

I saw the funding for rural mental health services dry up after ten years of drought – when the rain began, all the problems were not washed away – and the lack of recognition of the need for ongoing outreach counselling since then is taking a huge toll on rural families and communities.

We’re not looking to bypass other professionals.  ROC aims to short-circuit wait times to ensure help is available to those in need within a shorter time frame.

JOHN HARPER

MATE HELPING MATE FOUNDER
MATEKEEPER

I suffered depression in 2000; contemplated suicide, nearly lost my wife, my family, my farm, my livelihood and my life. More by luck than good management I survived, developed strategies to cope and realised the importance of family, mates and the community in mental wellbeing.

In 2006 I became a proactive and outspoken mental health advocate after helping a mate through his depression with the aid of my experiences.

ROC is important because it is a means of unlocking community knowledge and using that collective insight for the benefit of individuals within that community. Without doubt outreaching with help and support minimises the negative outcomes of poor mental health and reduces suicide.

Our region

ROC will initially service a footprint that covers the Riverina region of New South Wales. Although the administrative office will largely be based in Wagga Wagga, ROC's focus will be to service the smaller towns and communities where there is minimal access to on-the-ground mental health services. All initial contact or service will be based on the outreach model of face-to-face, and where possible, in the home.