Free event focuses on wellness after fires
A free mental health and suicide awareness event with an emphasis on bushfire recovery will be held at Gumbuya World on Sunday, August 18.
Matt Runnalls of Mindfull Aus is coordinating the Tynong “Loved and Worthwhile Roadshow” event featuring five speakers who will share stories on overcoming challenges and finding ways to wellness. A question and answer panel will follow.
Matt said the event offers a relaxed environment where people experiencing any mind, health and behavioural challenges or supporting loved ones can come together to talk, support, listen and find resources and information to help support them on their journey.
The format is based on the sold-out Mindfull Aus event held at Warragul earlier this year in memory of Corey Kubale, which attracted a large audience and positive outcomes.
Matt said Bunyip and District Community Bank provided funding for the free Tynong event featuring new speakers and different content but the same positive outcomes and conversations.
With 180 people already registered, Gumbuya World has offered its function centre for the event.
A specific focus on bushfire recovery and resilience will assist those affected by the Bunyip Complex fires in March.
Brad Quilliams who lost friends on Black Saturday and was involved in the Yarra Valley rebuild will be a speaker. The MC is ADES Australia’s Michael Donehue who also experienced loss on Black Saturday.
They will be joined by Matt Runnalls, Compassionate Friends Victoria’s Karen Philippzig, Catholic Care’s Denise Lacey and Mindfull Aus’ Jaymee Wolff.
Matt, who has just returned from further facilitator training in the USA, says nobody deserved to wake up sick and tired every day.
After suffering in silence, 27-year-old Matt is passionate about saving lives and works as an advocate and lived experience speaker.
Growing up in Warragul, he is founder and chief executive of charity organisation Mindfull Aus which earned him the 2018 Baw Baw Shire Australian Day Medallion.
This upcoming event is the second of five planned across Gippsland.
The free event will be held at Gumbuya World’s Function Centre on Sunday, August 18 from 1pm to 5pm. Doors open at 12.30pm.
All people aged 18 and above are welcome to attend. Those younger are urged to attend with an adult.
Trained and qualified resource staff will be in attendance as well as takeaway resources from various professional services.
Register your free seat or find out more by visiting lovedandworthwhilegumbuya.eventbrite.com.au.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 131 114 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au.