Ex-cowboy will advocate for mental health at launch

BURDEKIN Shire Council will celebrate the launch of Queensland Mental Health Week with the Coffee and Connections Health and Wellbeing Expo at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt this Saturday.

The event will feature a keynote speech by former North Queensland Cowboy and mental health advocate

Antonio Winterstein as well as a range of entertainment, food, drinks, workshops and market stalls.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin said Queensland Mental Health Week was an important opportunity for residents to sit down and reflect on the state of their own physical and mental wellbeing.

“Many people’s lives were changed unexpectedly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still a part of our community 19 months after it reached Queensland – so I want to remind everyone that it is OK to still feel different, and to not be afraid to reach out to a friend, family member or someone qualified to provide mental health support,” Ms Mclaughlin said.

“The Coffee and Connections Health and Wellbeing Expo is an opportunity to meet some of the many mental health and wellbeing providers in the Burdekin face to face in a relaxed environment, which also features live music, food, coffee, and a chance to meet Antonio Winterstein and hear his own mental health experiences.

“The theme of Queensland Mental Health Week 2021 is Take Time – For Mental Health, and this is something I want to encourage everyone to do.

“Whether you can attend Coffee and Connections on Saturday or not, I hope you will find some time over the next week to consider your own wellbeing, access resources for help if required, celebrate the service of our mental health workers and take time for activities that boost your own mental wellbeing.”

The expo will be at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt on Saturday, October 9, from 8.30am.