Mrs Fardell said an epidemic of drought-induced depression was responsible for the high number of suicides occurring in country communities.

“We hear about numerous accidents involving trucks, and the truck drivers are blamed, however in many cases people have driven into or walked in front of the truck,” Mrs Fardell said.

Mrs Fardell said she regularly fielded calls from the Sydney media wanting names and statistics of rural suicides.

“Of course we cannot provide that information, however, I am aware of at least one person per week committing suicide in my area.”

Mrs Fardell highlighted the lack of transport services for seriously ill rural residents requiring treatment at Dubbo or Orange and said one man in the electorate hanged himself while struggling to cope with cancer.

Mrs Fardell rose to support a Nationals motion noting the devastating impact of the drought on the “mental health” of people in the State, particularly young men.

But she said it was also time to address the stigma attached to the term of “mental health” and called on the Government to consider a name change.

“We must remove the stigma. There is ignorance in our community and a not-in-my-backyard approach,” she said.

“Everyday I talk to people who are touched by this illness. Many people who suffer depression are not aware of the services available and some are beyond reason. Sometimes we need to get out there and help them; they cannot knock on a door and help themselves.”