But the telling of personal stories by Riverina Bluebell volunteers was inspirational, according to Graincorp’s southern regional manager Sarah Roche, and has helped at least one person seek help, said Junee area manager Garry Harpley.

Mr Harpley said that after attending a Riverina Bluebell presentation, a staff member recognised signs of depression in a friend.

“He went very quiet and wasn’t saying too much,” Mr Harpley said.

The Graincorp worker talked his mate into getting help for depression.

Speaking after receiving a cheque from Graincorp for $6000 as a thank you for the free presentations, Riverina Bluebell chairman Mac Armytage said if the talks helped even one person “they have paid for themselves 10 times over.”

Asked how he felt about the donation, Mr Armytage said: “I normally don’t say much, but I’m speechless.”

The presentations were aimed mainly at looking after the well-being of Graincorp staff, but they have given the workers skills to identify stress among family, friends and Graincorp customers, particularly grain growers.

The start of a mixed harvest for Riverina grain growers is throwing up emotional and financial pressures in the sector that can affect their mental health.

“This is a pressure point in the year,” Mr Armytage said.

Violent storms have dashed the hopes of some growers of a badly-needed bumper harvest.

Mrs Roche said the canola harvest is being delayed by rain.

“Right now the harvest has come to a standstill,” Mrs Roche said.

“We expect to see wheat, barley and canola now to come in at once, which will put pressure on both growers and our receival sites.

“The western parts of the Riverina have been impacted most in terms of quality downgrade, however growers in the eastern area around Harden, Cunninga, are confident of a strong above-average harvest.”