Josh Stevenson said the crossfit competition would raise awareness of and money for what is widely held as a once-in-a-century drought.

The event at CrossFit Gunnedah will have beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions, with competitors doing about three to five workouts – maybe with a rural theme, he said.

The money will go to Rural Aid charity Buy A Bale and Inverell-based mental health non-profit group More Than Awareness.

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The drought was “close to home” for him, as his father had been “really suffering” the effects.

“He has a couple hundred head of cattle … He’s been feeding and watering them for 12 months.”

He aimed to make the day fun for competitors and spectators, with a cafe, massages, hair braiding and other services and vendors.

Almost 80 people so far have registered, from across the state and interstate. 

Mr Stevenson said the proceeds being split between the two charities recognised the tangible and intangible help needed during prolonged hardship – when much was out of people’s hands.

“I think the mental health aspect is a really big part of what people are going through,” he said.

“There comes a point when you can’t do any more, and you have to be able to deal with that.”