A total of $25,000 has been raised by a charity led by the Isaac Regional Council mayor to support on-the-ground mental health initiatives for residents in the region.
A total of $25,000 has been raised by a charity led by the Isaac Regional Council mayor to support on-the-ground mental health initiatives for residents in the region.
Mayor Anne Baker, who is the Isaac Regional Charity Fund chairperson, said the 2019 Mayor’s Charity Ball and its focus was to create accessibility for those who suffer from the challenges of mental illness.
“Since 2014, the wonderful generosity of our Isaac community and event sponsors has helped the Isaac Regional Charity Fund raise more than $330,000 for worthwhile causes, particularly mental health initiatives,” Mayor Baker said.
“This has been a fantastic result and is one that makes our board very proud. We once again had a generous 330-strong sell out crowd in August this year who helped make this happen.
“We are proud to be part of enabling a real grassroots difference and contribution to those in need in our community. This support demonstrates the difference pure people power can make in the lives of others.
“Many people at the top of their field – from sporting champions to business leaders and celebrities are increasingly prepared to speak openly of their challenges with mental illness.
“And it is not from a position of failure and fear, but from one of strength, understanding and empathy. I think that sends a positive message to us all.
“As a region, we continue to face our share of tragedy and adversity. But it is evident from the community to the coalface that there is a willingness to engage in a genuine conversation about our state of mind.
“It is no longer simply a case of harden up, move on or deal with it. It is unhealthy and unsafe to have people shielding their pain, grief, anxiety and fear behind a strained smile or a ‘stiff upper lip’. We need to talk and engage in genuine self-reflection.
Mayor Baker said a heartfelt thank you deserved to go to all the supporters and sponsors of the event.
“We all have a level of responsibility to be aware of our own mental health and that of family members, work mates and community members,” she said.
“Let us all continue to empower the conservation about mental health.”
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