Sound mental health is essential to our daily lives and the ability to function and work, and in turn is paramount to the health and wellbeing of workplaces, families and communities.

This October, Coorong Conversations Matter and Coorong District Council are pleased to explore mental health and wellbeing through the award-winning play ‘The Rain Maker’ across four regional locations.

Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons welcomes the coming performances.

“These shows will bring our communities together and encourage people to think differently about mental health and seeking assistance,” says Mayor Paul Simmons.

Produced by Centre Stage Scripts, The Rain Maker is an important arts and health production for youth suicide prevention and youth mental health care, which addresses the crippling rate of depression and suicide impacting youth in regional Australia.

Studies show that farming communities experience mental health challenges at twice the rate of the general population. However, ‘rural stoicism' and fear of stigma are common barriers to sufferers seeking appropriate mental health care.

The Rain Maker is designed to educate youth audiences around a range of issues relating to youth mental health care by employing comedy, grief, music and dance to engage the audience.

Set in a football club, The Rain Maker depicts the struggles of two young players and their coach. Star footballer Billy Jackson is destined for a future in AFL but events are threatening to derail his dream. His step father is abusive and when his mother receives a cancer diagnosis Billy assumes the role of carer to his mother and younger siblings. Billy’s dreams of playing AFL evaporate along with a relationship with Lark.

Meanwhile his friend Howie is the target of bullying. And as a male dancer living in a small country town, the bullying is taking its toll. Joining the football club helps, but its only when Howie seeks counselling that he recovers his self-esteem, mental health and identity.

Coach and mentor Barry Wikileaks supports the players, but he too is preoccupied. The club hasn’t made finals in three years and the committee are threatening to replace him with AFL great Bernard Merriton.

These regional performances have been made possible through the Coorong Conversations Matter Suicide Prevention Network’s (SPN) application to Wellbeing SA’s South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grants Scheme.

The Coorong Conversations Matter SPN was established in 2016 to provide valuable support, education, and connection to people across the district.

Successful in receiving $9,000, the SPN will be delivering four free performances across the region with support from Coorong District Council:

The Rain Maker, October 2022:
Tuesday 11 October, 7pm, Tintinara Football Clubrooms
Wednesday 12 October, 7pm, Meningie Football Clubrooms
Thursday 13 October, 7pm, Peake Football Clubrooms
Friday 14 October, 7pm, Tailem Bend Football Clubrooms

Tickets for all shows are available online through Trybooking.com, from any Coorong District Council office or at the door on the evening.

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Contact:

Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au