I recently attended the Mundi Mundi Bash. For those who have not heard it of it, it’s a three day concert on the Mundi Mundi Plains outside of Broken Hill. It is in the middle of the true outback with red dirt as far as the eye can see and stars that light the sky for miles. The event raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Beyond Blue.
This year, there was a record rainfall of 75 mm in 11 days, a level unseen since the 1970s. Given the weather impact, some campers were turned away after months of planning and co-ordination to spend time with friends to enjoy live music and to see the beauty of the Australian outback. There were many stories of support, makeshift activities and making the best of the unexpected both in and out of the concert grounds.
The highlight for me was what’s called the Big Blue Day. Raising funds for Beyond Blue, it’s where you dress in quirky blue attire and come together to form the map of Australia. The activity was introduced by the founder of the Bash and his story of his own mental health struggles and bringing himself up from his lowest point. As we formed the shape together, you knew that everyone standing in that map had been touched by their own mental health or that of a friend or a family member.
Oddly the rain stopped for that one hour as we stood there in the cold singing, “I am Australian”. We were asked us to turn to each other and say three words… “You matter mate”. There was barely a dry eye with the toughest of outback folk and the gentlest of souls as each person turned towards another and said, “You matter mate”. It was not only in that moment but throughout the entire festival with its own adversity of mother nature, that there was a community, an understanding and a respect for each other’s lives and stories. So in those times that you may need to hear it…. Always remember from me to you…. You matter mate!