Yabbies for mental health

West Wimmera residents can support mental health next month with nothing but a net and some bait.

Apsley’s Border Inn has hosted a yabby-catching competition for several years, but new manager Amanda Williams has chosen to use this year’s competition to raise money for mental health charity beyondblue.

People can bring yabbies they catch to the Border Inn for measuring throughout the month of March.

The competition will conclude with a family day celebration at the Border Inn on Sunday, March 31, when winners will be announced in the categories of length, weight and biggest claw size. The family day will feature a jumping castle, live music and free camping.

Ms Williams said the hotel hoped to raise at least $5000 for beyondblue.

“Hopefully we get more than $5000, that was just an initial target,” she said.

“I’m a ‘newbie’ here, but this year I’ve decided to raise money for beyondblue with the yabby competition because we’ve all either dealt with or know somebody who is dealing with mental health issues and is struggling with it.

“I think it’s something that needs to be spoken about more.

“I grew up in Murtoa and at the very start of the year a local took their own life. No-one knew this man was struggling as bad as he was and not only is it horrific and heart breaking for his family, but the whole town went into shock.

“This made me want to do something to raise awareness. For some reason it still seems to be a taboo subject to talk about and it shouldn’t be.”

Ms Williams said a competition entry fee of $10 would cover three yabbies. People are free to submit as many yabbies as they want, but all yabbies must be alive at the time of measurement and entrants must pay $10 for every three yabbies.

People can find a Facebook event for the competition by visiting website www.facebook.com/ events/293683161287805.