Unleash the Beast – learn more about mental health
HAVING A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
Held on World Mental Health Day, Unleash the Beast is a writing and well-being symposium which aims to share, promote and propagate the conversation about mental health in a relaxed, entertaining and engaging way.
About 60 authors and speakers from all over Australia are coming to Toowoomba to share their stories on mental health and how it affects us as individuals, families and communities.
The program will deal with a broad range of mental health topics, from mental health in the workplace, to men’s and women’s health, mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, those who live in remote areas, educators, parents, adolescents, and so much more.
The event is being held in support of Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland and the funds raised will be used to provide free counselling services for anyone who needs it.
The event will be kicked off early, with a welcome from Mayor Paul Antonio at 6.45am, followed by the first talks and workshops at 7am.
For the full program, visit www.unleashthebeast.net.au.
Tickets to all workshops, activities and events are available from www.toowoombatickets.com.au.
THE SYMPOSIUM ANNEX & LIBRARY SESSIONS
Topics such as improving mental health in the workplace, the complexities of mental health issues for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the effects of food on mental health, and whether there’s something we can do to stop bullying, will be discussed in the Toowoomba Regional Council Annex and the Library between 7am and 6.30pm.
The sessions are individually ticketed, so participants can choose to attend only the topics of interest to them.
LIBRARY WORKSHOPS
Between 8.30pm and 12.30pm, you can meet local authors, Dr Leanne Dodd, Terese Eglington, and Edwina Shaw, who will be presenting writing workshops in the library.
THE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT LIFE’S A PICNIC
Blank Space at the Mills Precinct will be home to the Life’s a Picnic ladies’ get together.
Sky News presenter and mum, Zen Jacinta Tynan, will lead the chat with Susan Duncan (author of ‘House on the Hill’ and ‘Salvation Creek’).
Bring your gal pals along for a relaxing picnic from 11.30am to 2.30pm on October 10.
Tickets are available for $90 per person.
THE LADS’ LUNCH
The Mort & Co. Lads’ Lunch at Fitzy’s will be presented by the one and only Peter FitzSimons (another Fitzy!).
Lads will be treated to a full lunch, including beverages, and a catch-up with Peter, who has written biographies on Wallaby captains Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales, as well as famous aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and many others.
Tickets are available for $250 per person, with each ticket purchased providing Lifeline with funding for counselling sessions.
COOKING UP A STORM
Emma Ellice-Flint will present a cooking class at The Sauce Kitchen 10.30am to 2pm.
Emma is a Sydney-based nutritionist, chef and author with a passion for gut health and eating to improve mental health.
During the cooking class, she will teach participants how to cook not only tasty food, but nutritious food that’ll improve mental and physical health and well-being.
Some items on the menu include hot smoked salmon with avocado, green beans and basil dressing, and triple-layered raspberry brownies.
Depending on the level of involvement you’re looking for, ticket prices range from $45 to $130 per person.
THE WEEKEND RETREAT
RELAX. Write. Retreat is a weekend yoga and writing retreat for women and forms part of the symposium activities.
Ladies have the opportunity to join experienced yoga teacher and published author, Edwina Shaw, for a weekend of yoga sessions and writing workshops.
Time to dust off that yoga mat!