Cows conjure conversations about mental health in Geraldton

Dardanup farmer Peter Milton says “it’s one of those dumb ideas that I think works”, as he travels across the State with his two similarly named heifers to start conversations about mental health.

Mr Milton began his journey in Dardanup and stopped in Geraldton on Monday, June 25 on his way to the Kimberley with Clementine II and Clementine III.

“We make sure wherever we go, someone will always come up and say ‘what are you doing?’,” he said.

“And then it gives us the opportunity to talk about mental health issues.

“We’ve had some really warm and some terrible stories, but we’re trying to tell people that it’s OK to say they’re not OK.”

Mr Milton has taken his heifers to the Perth Royal Show, schools, shops and even Parliament House to talk to people about mental health.

“The cattle seem to break down the walls and people open up — you can trust the cows, they won’t tell anybody,” he said.

Mr Milton and his brother Steve will make their way to the Kununurra Show, where Clementine II will be auctioned off.

And all proceeds will go to the Black Dog Ride.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.