Sober in the Country Ltd

We wanted to put the basics of how to cater to rural events in a slide show for others to share and pass around. As we've shared many times, we consistently get feedback on this topic from across the entire outback, so we hope this helps! In summary: when we cater comprehensively and thoughtfully for everyone - we're all part of an incredible and SUPER simple change.

We can never share this enough times ….

Peta shares, with permission: ''Two years ago, the day after Christmas, I chose to give up alcohol. For me, sobriety hasn't always black and white—it’s been a deeply personal journey of unlearning, healing, and facing emotions head-on. I remember getting drunk for the first time, aged just 12. Like so many, I grew up being told it's what you had to do to 'have fun'. While there were some fun times along the way in the years that followed, the depression, guilt and shame that came with every hangover almost killed me - and, so, I drank some more to numb that guilt, shame, and overwhelm. Alcohol was my escape, my way to quiet the noise. But of course, the more I drank, the heavier everything felt. So, I chose to quit alcohol altogether for a while and to face life fully present and no longer running from my emotions. Over these two years, I navigated joy, grief, loss, and celebration sober. I experienced my first wedding, my first hen party, and my first concert, all without alcohol. I worked through social anxiety, learning to trust that I’m still fun, still worthy, and still enough - without it. Life really tested me last year when I lost my best friend suddenly.. and I had to face the deepest grief without numbing it with alcohol. I cried, I talked, I had to just let myself feel every ounce of pain. When the day came to bury her, I chose to raise a glass in her honour. It wasn’t to 'escape' - it was a conscious choice, and I have no regrets. After working on myself for those two years, now, if I decide to have a drink I may have just one, and I do so without the guilt and self-loathing. I am well aware that some might say this is not sobriety - but it works for me - because my relationship with alcohol has completely changed. I no longer drink to avoid, to cope, or to disconnect. I have successfully broken a generational pattern, and that is 'my' sobriety. For me, change wasn't about perfection but about awareness, intention, and self-love. My healing isn’t/wasn't linear, but when I chose myself, everything else changed.'' ___ Thank you SO much, Peta, for sharing. (And - what a dress!!! What a photo. Just lovely!) >> It's always great to hear stories from those who have been ''upstream'' enough to navigate quitting alcohol and going on to manage and moderate their drinking. As those of you who are familiar with sobriety discussions will be aware, this is almost impossible for our mates who've landed further ''downstream'' and are in chronic addiction. In most of those instances, abstinence is the only viable option. So please, take tremendous care if in doubt, and speak to your health professional and/or peer support group if you're unsure where you fit. And please keep your comments respectful. Remember - there is no one size for all. #SITC #soberinthecountry #OK2SAYNO #sober #recovery #addiction #alcohol #rural #australia #sobriety #health #mentalhealth #change #advoacy #awareness #outback

We're building an entire 'downloadable' section on our website so that those who want to can download flyers, information, and more. Here's an example of the ''who we are'' flyer .. It's not often people use print material anymore - but whether someone wants ti screen-shot and share, or print and share, we want to make it accessible and easy for all and so that our crystal clear message is there for anyone to read :)

We're a bit blown away to share our current online insights. For a good six months, we've been noticing hundreds of thousands of organic "views" across our socials. Now, we're not far off regularly reaching a million eyes. We find this fascinating, given that we only promote a handful of posts a year, if that. This tells us that what we've repeated for a decade - namely that almost every rural person and household relates to our work - and has been directly or indirectly impacted by alcohol harm. It also confirms that our extremely user-friendly messaging and common-sense approach are getting right to the heart of this complex chat. We want to wholeheartedly thank those of you who share, comment, engage, donate, and support our message. Many mountains ahead - but many behind us now, too. In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible, until it's done. Xx #SITC #soberinthecountry #OK2SAYNO #sober #recovery #addiction #alcohol #rural #australia #sobriety #health #mentalhealth #change #advoacy #awareness #outback #odaat #wedorecover #booze #bhfyp #life

From our founder: "We have been blown away by the mammoth response to our ''we're chasing a (second) magical unicorn'' advertisement ... and wanted to say thank you, so very VERY sincerely to everyone who has sent in such beautiful messages and applications. It was/is *deeply* humbling and touching that almost every single message or application included the individual's own personal lived experience (directly or indirectly) with alcohol harm or elements of the rural booze culture that you all want to be part of changing. Honestly, we're a bit speechless. I am personally so moved by how much you all care. In the spirit of total honesty and transparency, and because of how horrendously time-poor I am right now .. may I please ask your forgiveness that we aren't able to reply to each and every one of you who messaged us with the thoughtful feedback, appreciation and responses that EVERY single one of you deserves. We'll be in touch if you are the human we feel fits the bill. We've taken the ad down now, as we are/were literally overwhelmed with responses. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Clearly there are magical unicorns all around us in this wide brown land. What a job we have now... '' Xx Shanna

TRIGGER WARNING > Sexual assault, predatory behaviour. ''Two years ago, I set off and pursued my dream of working on an (extremely remote) cattle station during my gap year after school. I was so, so excited...! I was a young rural woman who just wanted to learn, make friends, be part of a friendly / family environment, have fun, and gain experience in an industry I had long dreamed of working in. In the end, that was not how my experience panned out. I am coming to realise (as SITC has shared many times over many years) that reality and dream were vastly different and that my experience is not uncommon at all, but it is rarely talked about with the weight needed. For me, that time on that station was an endless nightmare. I was targeted by one co-worker who used alcohol heavily and daily and who held such power in the stock camp over his fellow jackaroos - that instead of helping or defending me - they endorsed and encouraged his constant sexual intimidation, bullying, and harassment. For 6 months, I tried my hardest, frequently speaking to a therapist via tele-health and a trusted family member who begged me just to get out. I felt like I was somehow failing and that I should 'tough it out'. But I was falling apart, and the ongoing sexual harassment, emotional abuse, threats, and intimidation just got worse - especially when the heavy drinking began, each day, as it did - and was brought back to the 'all men's' living quarters. I was the only girl on that camp. I was mocked for being a virgin, and I was terrified I would be sexually assaulted in my room at night which was in a hut that had no secure lock - so I slept with my pocket knife, terrified. When I found the courage to report my abuser, it was dismissed as 'female histrionics', and I was the one who was punished. Every aspect of that horrifying time and experience was fuelled by deadly drinking. I am sharing a small portion of my story anonymously because I believe that we have a deadly and toxic ''station culture'' in Australia that is directly connected to our worship of deadly drinking - and I hope this will illuminate the truth for other jillaroos heading to their gap years to feel aware, and that hopefully they will find a safer place. I am immensely thankful for the work SITC is doing out there to create awareness and education around better work places and cultures.'' _____ If you or someone you care about is experiencing bullying - please reach out to our friends at Dolly's Dream at https://lnkd.in/gKNpPQ4Y #SITC #soberinthecountry #OK2SAYNO #sober #recovery #addiction #alcohol #rural #australia #sobriety #health #mentalhealth #change #advoacy #awareness #outback #odaat #wedorecover #booze #bhfyp #life

Jesse shares, with permission, why she chooses a life without alcohol: ''About 4 years ago I knew I needed to look at the role and impact drinking was having in my life - when I noticed I was waiting until knock-off time so I could 'have my drink' - and when I struggled to think back to my last alcohol-free day. I also realised I wasn't okay with the fact that it was becoming the norm for our kids to see me dealing with life by using alcohol to 'relax' or as a reward for hard work, getting through a long day, dealing with something stressful, celebrating something big, etc. It became obvious to me how true it is that alcohol is the social lubricant we all use, and the only drug we're questioned for not taking. I used to love to drink. Alcohol was a social, emotional, and physical reward that I was constantly chasing. But something changed for me - and I just knew I didn't want alcohol to be a part of my life anymore. I especially didn't and don't want our children to grow up using alcohol just because 'everyone does it.’ For me, the first of everything was so hard... the first sober wedding, dinners with my girlfriends, celebrations, parties, corporate events, or losing a loved one... ... it was so hard, but it’s been worth it. I recently ran for local government elections, and I was worried that if people knew I was someone who didn’t drink, it would affect my chances of being elected, even though I am active in my community and deliver ‘leadership’ programs. I was scared that I wouldn’t be seen as a ‘leader’ if I was sober because, as we've all heard too many times, the bush adage is that ‘you can’t trust someone who doesn’t drink!’ I've since realised this is an opportunity for leadership in my role as Deputy Mayor in my local shire. At a minimum, it would be great to support Sober in the Country's work and #OK2SAYNO message and simply ensure we have tasty, sophisticated, alcohol-free options at events. Three-and-a-half years into sobriety, I feel like ''me'' again - the person who was once a kid who knew how to have fun without alcohol! I am happy to just be ''drunk'' on life, love, better relationships, a stronger sense of self, and simply to be living this beautiful life in the country, spinning into each day with a smile on my face and ready for anything - alcohol-free.'' ____ THANK YOU, Jesse, for your courage and leadership!! #SITC #soberinthecountry #OK2SAYNO #sober #recovery #addiction #alcohol #rural #australia #sobriety #health #mentalhealth #change #advoacy #awareness #outback #odaat #wedorecover #booze #bhfyp #life

From our founder, Shan: ''Today, the one and only Caterina Giorgi (lovingly known to us as Cat) finishes up her position at the helm of FARE (Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education) - and, while we're stoked for this good woman and wish her all the love in all the lands as she embarks on her next chapter - crikey we're really, really gunna' miss her! Cat is a pocket-rocket-sized TOWER of strength and determination and a leader who has fearlessly taken on some of the really big issues and uncomfortable truths about alcohol harm in Australia. She is so much fun and takes her country-girl energy wherever she goes, and is a master of facilitating connections and change. As I know first-hand, leadership and advocacy in this space are relentlessly tiring and unbelievably complex, tricky, and sometimes heart-shatteringly exhausting. So, today, I'd ask that you please join me and SITC in saluting the huge efforts of Cat over the last few years, including her total and unwavering commitment to supporting us from afar in all the ways she could. Nothing is more awesome or inspiring than a Boss Lady who is collaborative and lifts others up while already juggling and carrying a tremendous load. Catty - enjoy a little rest and some time with those precious little people. We love you, and we will miss you - but we know we'll see you soon. Xx''