Trangie-born Lieutenant Colonel Rowan Tink former Special Air Service Regiment Officer was in town this Anzac Day to encourage strength and resilience in rural Australian communities.

Almost 70 people were at the Rugby Club on Wednesday, April 24 to meet the highly decorated soldier.

The former SAS fighter delivered a raw and honest account of events in his life, which have led to some of the struggles he continues to have today.

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He discussed three response types to stress and ways to deal with it including, recognising you have an issue, seek professional advice or talk to your peers or teammates, and finally take time out for yourself.

"Afghanistan was probably the most defining moment for me. After six months of operations, which were on the back of being chief of staff of headquarters special operations, I was one burnt out shell," he said.

"[Mental illness] It's not something you can treat once and think that's it, it's constant we're always dealing with it, you've always got to try and get on top of it, and there's plenty to learn."

The free event was supported by NALAG NSW's Our Shout program, and driven by Nyngan's Rowen Cleaver.