In Peterborough, the specially-designed Winnebago recreational vehicle stopped in Main Street, allowing locals to enjoy a sausage sizzle provided by several local Rotarians. The stop-over also offered people the opportunity of accessing the on-board computers loaded with information and software designed to identify, and de-stigmatise various forms of mental illness.

There was particular emphasis on depression, one of the most common forms of mental illness in Australia today.

Safari manager, John Flower, a member of the Rotary Club of the City of Parramatta – and whose resume includes organising and managing a number of Variety Club Bashes, as well as the Sydney Olympics Torch Relay - said that organisation of the Safari had taken eight months and included 60 volunteers from Rotary clubs throughout Australia.

Mr Flower said the Main Street location in Peterborough was an ideal site, and allowed for the Safari's high visibility

"Many people in Australia, particularly rural communities, either know someone suffering from a form of mental illness, such as depression, or suffer from it themselves," he said.

In response to the question of whether

people in small communities would be prepared to access information publicly, Mr Flower said that, generally, people are more forthcoming when a person unknown to them is available to talk to.

"Many people just want a sympathetic ear to listen to them, and from this they are able to access information and literature in the vehicle which may help them to seek further assistance," he said, stressing that Peterborough – along with 400 other communities on the Safari's route was no different to any other community across the country.

"Whether it's the Sydney suburbs, or South Australia, all communities have their own problems," he said.

"Rural communities frequently have problems related to the downturn in the rural industry, and many others have youth and unemployment issues that also cause mental health problems."

The Rotary Health Safari had previously stopped at Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta before leaving Peterborough for Broken Hill and Mildura – following which it would return to South Australia for visits to other rural centres, and Adelaide.

Local Rotarians were helped on the day by Peterborough's community health officer, Therese O'Dea, and GROW's Margaret Wade.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough's community service director, Frank Hardbottle, said the morning had been well-attended, and although it could never be known how many

people were helped and encouraged, it was a great privilege for his club to be involved in such a worthwhile undertaking.