2019.10.24 New York Post
Student vets have stripped off for a naked calendar as part of a campaign in support of better mental health.
Some 30 students from the third and fourth-year classes at the University of Sydney's School of Veterinary Science bared all to raise money for charity the Black Dog Institute.
Posing for the calendar has become something of a rite of passage for students at the school, and it's a cause that's especially important for vets, said organiser Lucy Fuchter, 23.
"As soon-to-be veterinarians and animals scientists, we are entering a workforce in which the suicide rate is four times that of the national average," she said.
"So it is a cause close to our hearts.
"The Black Dog Institute is an organisation dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness.
"With one in five people battling mental illness at some point in their lives, we hope that supporting the institute will assist their endeavours in helping so many."
Fuchter said the early-morning shoot for the calendar saw nerves among many of her classmates, but that everyone soon relaxed.
"I would say that most people were apprehensive but volunteered once sign-ups started to increase - there's safety in numbers," she said.
"There were also people at either end of the enthusiasm spectrum.
"Some had been looking forward to participating in the calendar since starting their degree, others were adamant they weren't going to take part then ended up giving in to the fear of missing out."
"We started off with a shoot at sunrise down by the lake, where there were definitely some nerves!
"However, as the day progressed, people became increasingly comfortable and relaxed around one another, which was great to see."
The school is the leading veterinary centre in Australia.
Its has been producing a nude calendar for over ten years, generating almost $100,000 AUD (£53,000) for a variety of charities.
A dedicated website for the calendar says the fundraiser is intended to "support not only those in our industry, but all Australians who are struggling with their mental health".
The calendar is available to buy on the
website and costs $25 AUD (£13.20).
