The prominent signs are a joint initiative between NSW Farmers, OOH Media and the R U OK? Foundation and aim to promote the importance of mental health awareness in regional NSW.

NSW Farmers’ CEO Matt Brand said the R U OK Foundation’s cause aligns with NSW Farmers’ efforts to encourage the state’s regional communities to openly discuss mental health issues during times of drought.

“Due to the insidious nature of drought, asking the question are R U OK mate is a really important conversation starter and could save a life,” Mr Brand said. 

“The billboards are about doing something positive for our rural communities by taking the message into the bush that it is important to have that conversation and check that your friends, family and colleagues are okay,” Mr Brand said.

The billboards are at 22 locations around NSW including:

Albury (Table Top), Hume Highway

Armidale (Tilbuster, Arding), New England Highway

Coonabarabran, Newell Highway

Cowra North (Woodstock), Mid Western Highway

Forbes, Newell Highway

Gunnedah (Somerton), Oxley Highway

Harden, Mid Western Highway

Hay, Sturt Highway

Inverell, Gwydir Highway

Jerilderie, Newell Highway

Junee, Temora Road

Moree, Gwydir and Newell Highway

Narrabri, Newell Highway

Narrandera (Sandigo), Sturt Highway

Peak Hill, Newell Highway

Tamworth, New England Highway

Wellington, Mitchell Highway

Wyalong, Newell Highway and Temora Road.