Speakers to inspire community
Community resilience, connection, and inclusivity are at the heart of two upcoming Baw Baw Shire events.
'Continyou - Conversations for growth, resilience and inspiration' are a pair of free events at Oaks at Logan Park that will feature keynote speakers with insights into community and individual wellbeing.
Night one, tonight, will see former lawyer turned social entrepreneur Samantha Nash, arctic expeditioner David Knoff, and local YouTuber, writer, and ultra-athlete Beau Miles tell audience members about their journeys and what they have learned along the way.
The second night, tomorrow night, will feature presentations by former AFL player turned sports media broadcaster Wayne Schwass and former Australian Diamonds player Bianca Chatfield, who has also made a name for herself in sports media.
The events are part of the Baw Baw Shire's aim to achieve a sustainable, healthy, and thriving region, as outlined in the July 2021 Community Vision plan.
Last year, council research for the plan revealed a need for more support for those suffering from mental illness and greater advocacy for mental health awareness.
While regional areas often have a similar prevalence of mental illness to major cities, the National Rural Health Alliance reports that rural areas have high rates of self-harm and suicide due to a lack of mental health services. This is true for Baw Baw and other parts of Gippsland.
According to the Gippsland Primary Health Network, compared to other parts of Gippsland and Australia the Baw Baw Shire has low rates of hospital admissions for intentional selfharm. However, the area does have a higher rate of suicide-related emergency department presentations in comparison to the rest of the state and the third-highest number of presentations in Gippsland, behind Latrobe and Wellington.
The Council reported finding that more than a third of adults in the Baw Baw Shire have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, a proportion that is higher than the average for Gippsland.
Continyou aims to support council's vision and "promote resilience, connection, and inclusivity through the inspiring stories and experiences of the keynote speakers.
Tickets for Continyou can be purchased on the Baw Baw Shire Council's Eventbrite.