AN additional $15,000 has been committed to the Bayer Big Fish Challenge in 2021 for an AgSpirit Retreat to further enhance quality conversations and support mental wellbeing.
Now in its fourth consecutive year with charity partner The Fly Program, the additional funding means rural women can now be nominated for the AgSpirit Retreat for women.
Bayer national key account manager Ben Thompson said the Big Fish Challenge is widely supported by rural communities across Australia.
"This friendly fishing competition has already raised more than $100,000 over four years which funds AgSpirit Retreats run by The Fly Program to help rural people in need of a well-deserved mental health break.
"What's impressive is that nearly 10 per cent of all anglers already participating in the Challenge are women and we know that it's often the ladies giving their loved ones a nudge to attend a retreat.
"To acknowledge this, we are excited to offer a Retreat for women and give them an opportunity to escape from the pressures of everyday life."
Mr Thompson said The Bayer Big Fish Challenge aimed to tackle rural mental wellbeing through a friendly fishing competition.
Each year registered individuals and teams upload the fish they catch through the Bayer Big Fish Challenge App. Bayer then contributes one dollar per centimetre of the largest fish per type caught by each team or individual to facilitate a number of fully funded wellbeing programs.
Bayer Big Fish Challenge participant and member of an all women's team, Dior Fletcher, said she was excited about the womens' Retreat and is encouraging all women from regional Australia to join the Challenge and nominate those in need.
"Fishing is an incredible way to connect and come together to openly talk about our mental health and wellbeing in a safe and enjoyable environment," Ms Fletcher said.
The AgSpirit Retreat for women will be held on November from 19-22, with the AgSpirit Retreat for men planned for November 5-8.
Registrations are now open for the 2021 Bayer Big Fish Challenge. Participants in the Challenge can nominate people for an AgSpirit Retreat via the Bayer Big Fish Challenge app available from the website.
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