Men are being urged to “check their engines” at the Walgett Show on May 7 and 8, to assess if their health is “roadworthy” or in need of a “tune-up”, as part of the Pit Stop health screening initiative.
The free health check-up, run by the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDS SE) with support from agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, will include five screening stations (Pit Stops) staffed by allied and mental health professionals.
Chief Executive Officer of the RFDS SE Greg Sam said the “car-themed health check model” was designed as a fun, yet informative way for men to “put themselves in the driver’s seat of their health.”
“Men will book their car in for a regular service, but are reluctant to see a doctor,” he said, “so we encourage any men attending the Walgett Show to make a ‘pit stop’ for a full health ‘rego’ check,” Mr Sam said.
Not exclusive to men, the Pit Stop will also screen women across five health areas; skin cancer prevention, diabetes, alcohol misuse, blood pressure and mental health.
“The drought has seen many do it tough and the number of people we have been assisting has increased, so we have incorporated a “shock absorber” (mental health) station,” he said.
“Those who pass through most of the stations will get a “roadworthy certificate” for their health, while those that need a “tune-up” will be referred to their GP or health professional for follow-up.”
Mr Sam said the Pit Stop at the Walgett Show was initiated by corporate partner, Rabobank, through their Dubbo-based Client Council.
“Consisting of farming clients from across the region, our local Client Council discuss issues and implement initiatives to contribute to the sustainability of rural communities,” Rabobank Dubbo branch manager Luke Smith said. “And one of the areas where they are keen to make a difference is to promote health awareness in rural communities, particularly mental health.”
“This led us to partner with the RFDS at the Gilgandra Show in 2014, and we are excited that those in the Walgett area will have the opportunity to take part in this invaluable health check.”
The Pit Stop will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May at the RFDS stand at the Walgett Showground.
“We will be easy to find at the Show,” said Mr Sam, “as the Pit Stop will be next to the Flying Doctor aircraft simulator – a life-sized replica of the cockpit and fuselage of a RFDS King Air B200.”
“RFDS staff will be on hand to explain the aircraft’s capabilities, to give insight into the important work that the RFDS does to provide essential health services to those in the bush.”
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 115 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 40 countries, servicing the needs of approximately 8.6 million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1000 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is one of Australasia’s leading rural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region’s food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 94 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Denise Shaw
Head of Media Relations
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand
Phone: 02 8115 2744 or 0439 603 525
Email: denise.shaw@rabobank.com
Skye Ward
Media Relations Manager
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand
Phone: 02 4855 1111 or 0418 216 103
Email: skye.ward@rabobank.com