Well-known comedian Rob Carlton will perform in Torrington as part of the second leg of the What a Relief! Tour.
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The tour will include 12 shows through the New England and North West NSW.
These extended tour dates, starting with Kingstown Hall on March 15, follows on from comedic relief performed by comedian Damian Callinan who hosted shows in 15 different rural locations including Yetman, Bonshaw and Delungra.
Rob has appeared in many television series from Young Ramsay to A Country Practice, Home and away, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, Fireflies, McLeod's Daughters and All Saints.
He has also appeared in many movies including Strange Bedfellows, You Can't Stop the Murders and The Year My Voice Broke.
Rob won Tropfest in 2006 with Charmichael and Shane, which he wrote, starred in, co-directed and co-produced. He also won best actor that year.
From 2007 to 2009, Rob's television production company, Shadowfax TV, produced two series of the award-winning comedy, Chandon Pictures, seen on Movie Extra and the ABC.
After the Kingstown Show, Rob will stop by Croppa Creek Bowling Club on March 19, Ashford Bowling Club on March 20, Torrington Hall on March 21 and he'll end the five-week tour with a final show at Gum Flat Hall on March 22.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the free dose of much needed comic relief was designed to also provide attendees access to health and rural financial advice will be on offer via the extended What a Relief! tour.
"Drought and bushfire have left their mark on northern NSW communities and while we have a focus on water security and the clean-up of destroyed properties, it is as important we look after people's mental wellbeing.
Mrs Taylor was pleased to see the tour travel to more of the region's towns and villages including Baan Baa, Manilla and Gum Flat and while acts will vary throughout the tour, every show will be followed by a community barbecue where rural financial counsellors and health professionals will be present to provide support.
"What a Relief! will unite more community members in local halls and bowling clubs and give more people permission to enjoy a few hours of laughs before connecting with mates in a friendly social setting where we have support available.
"Communities are feeling uncertain about the future right now and that can take its toll physically and mentally, so we are encouraging people to not only come along for a laugh but to have a chat with the friendly health and finance experts at each barbecue."
Mrs Taylor said counsellors from NSW Rural and Remote Mental Health, primary healthcare nurses from Healthwise, rural financial counsellors from the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Local Land Services will be on hand at every stop of the tour.
"Our counsellors continue to work closely with people in both drought and fire affected regional communities around the State, helping them remain focused on getting through these times and I encourage anyone doing it tough to take up these services," Mrs Taylor said.
"Across the tour, counsellors will mix with guests after each comedy performance, to engage in conversations and connect people with the counselling services available long after the tour ends."
