The inaugural Long Lunch for Mental Health, hosted at Radcliffe’s Restaurant, brought 140 people of all ages and from diverse areas of the community together.
The event aimed to raise both funds and awareness for mental health services, and contributed $1000 each to headspace Echuca, The Local at Echuca Regional Health, and Beyond Blue.
CLK First National co-director Troy O’Brien said the day was a huge success, and that generous community and sponsor support made the event possible.
“We were proud to host such an important event for the wider community,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It was our hope that if the conversations we had on the day helped just one person through a mental health challenge, then it would be deemed a success.”
One of the event’s goals was to support local young people through the the Pay-It Forward initiative, made possible by NAB Echuca, Suzi and Brad Shearer, and Rolfe and Associates.
Kyabram local Warren Davies, known as The Unbreakable Farmer, was a guest speaker at the event, sharing the story of his personal mental health journey.
Mr Warren supports regional communities across the country, particularly those who have lived through natural disasters and their associated challenges.
Beyond Blue ambassador Brad McEwan was the event’s emcee, leading the discussion on the importance of talking about mental health challenges.
Mr McEwan guided a panel of local specialists to share the work they do, including Jayden Howe from headspace Echuca, Neesha Woodward with Melanie Holschier and Michelle Trail from The Local at Echuca Regional Health.
Emma Knapp from Standby Support After Suicide, Kirsty Turner from Rochester Secondary College, Dorinda Watson from Echuca College, Ruory Kirkby from The Rollie Project, and Nicole Cavallaro from Freudenfreud also spoke.
All panellists contributed to the conversation on mental health challenges the community lives with, and how to best keep mentally fit.
Coolabah Turf’s Stacey Fraser, an event sponsor and attendee, said she was thrilled to be involved in the event.
“We understand the importance of supporting our local community in any way we can, particularly with physical and emotional wellbeing,” Ms Fraser said.
Other sponsors included Campaspe Shire Council, Moama Bowling Club, First National Real Estate Foundation, the Riverine Herald, Rich Glen Olive Oil, Burning Buttter, and Echuca Printers.
Plans are already under way for next year’s event, with those wishing to be involved encouraged to contact Christy O’Brien at clkechuca@gmail.com or by ringing 0409 239 577.
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