Action in the foot race at a previous
Yass Picnic Race day.
The night before the highly anticipated Yass Picnic Races is just as important as the race itself. But this night means more than just placing a bet or two, it also aids in encouraging the hard conversations and supporting mental health across the region.
Celebrating their 125th anniversary, the races will continue their new tradition of donating 10 percent of the Calcutta night proceeds to local charity, Hand to the Land.
The foundation, established in honour of Yass girl, Jessica Walker, who tragically lost her life to suicide in 2003, by her family, has been working with the Yass Picnic Races for two years, and hopes to continue this connection onwards.
The organisation raises funds to support the Country Education Foundation who provide mental health services to the local community, such as courses delivered by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
On the evening of the 27th of February (from 5pm), the Picnic celebrations are expected to kick off with an auction at 6pm.
Inviting the Yass community to “get their race weekend started by forming a syndicate or individually an opportunity to purchase a horse in the Elders and EJ Merriman Cup, race no 5”, the Yass Picnic Races continue in their provision of an environment that favours pioneering spirit, community and connection.
Katie Walker, Jessica Walker’s mother and Board Director of the Country Education Foundation says their job is to raise awareness and funds for people suffering from mental health and depression.
Victoria ‘Tor’ Walker, Katie’s daughter and Jessica’s sister, says the ability to discuss mental health openly (backed with confidence and knowledge) is a vital skill for everyone in the community.
“Mental health challenges are likely to affect every individual in Australia, either directly or indirectly at some point in their life,” she says.
“When someone faces their challenges, it’s often the immediate support network – family, friends, colleagues and their community – who become the crucial first responders.”
Many regional communities struggle with mental health challenges due to limited access to services, system complexity and social stigma, which can amount to the prevention of seeking treatment and support by those suffering with poor mental health.
“Hand to the Land is a rural and regional mental health initiative run in partnership with the country Education Foundation of Australia,” says Tor.
“We fundraise to improve mental health and resilience in rural and regional communities.”
Hand to the Land also provides scholarship opportunities for regional tertiary students studying a health profession, such as psychology, psychiatry and nursing.
This year, the organisation has four scholarships to give, each amounting to $10,000.
The Jessica Walker Memorial Scholarship is administered by the CEF, which is the overwriting body of the Hand to the Land charity.
Funds from the Calcutta night will go towards information nights and assisting other health students wishing to make a difference to regional communities.
So how does a Calcutta work?
When the horse you want is up for auction, you can bid to buy it.
The prize pool will be dived with 60 percent going to first place, 20 percent to second place and 10 percent to third place.
No tickets or RSVP’s are required for the Calcutta event, and with the ability to assist in such an important charity, there couldn’t be a better reason to dig deep.
– Elizabeth Kovacs
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