Nimmitabel's Taya Evans is a well-known and respected figure in the Monaro shearing industry. A talented shearer and wool classer, Taya is encouraging fellow shearers and those involved in the industry to head along to a local event that will put mental health in the spotlight.

Taya is part of not-for-profit organisation, Shedway, a first of its kind in the shearing industry.

Shedway is the first, shearing industry specific mental health organisation, focussed on delivering positive mental health in shearing sheds across the country.

The Shedway team was present at the Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear on Saturday to promote their group and help start important conversations amongst shearers.

“Shedway has been very well received at the events we have been to since the group started. Everyone in the industry knows there is a need to talk about mental health,” Taya said.

On July 12 at the Nimmitabel Pioneers Memorial Hall, Shedway will host a workshop that will provide skills around suicide prevention. The workshop will be delivered by Living Works Australia.

Bookings are filling quickly, head along to Shedway’s Facebook page to register your interest. The workshop runs from 9am to 2pm, and is $30 with the money going towards Shedway.

Shedway started in late 2023 when founder, Carol Mudford, decided something needed to be done following the loss of a number of shearers across the country.

“In 2023 we lost shearers across Australia to suicide, and one was a local shearer in Dubbo I knew well,” Carol said.

“Shedway’s goal is suicide prevention and to promote positive mental health in shearing sheds.”

Taya said events like the Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear are important occasions for the industry to come together.

“We were all good friends with Mitch. The quick shear is a day about supporting each other. It was good to see so many celebrating him,” Taya said.

If this story has raised any issues, Lifeline can be contacted by phone - 13 11 14, or texted via 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.