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BMSA members John Furnell (left) and Rob Ritchie (right) with guest speakers Joseph McCormack, Amy Goodhew and Sean Winning. Photos: Jacob Casha
Mental health was brought to the fore last Wednesday as Burdekin locals gathered for a community event highlighting support services available across the region.
Hosted by the Burdekin Men's Shed Association (BMSA) as a joint Seniors Week and Queensland Mental Health Week initiative, the event featured guest speakers from three North Queensland-based mental health organisations, reminding locals that support is always within reach.
The morning's keynote speaker, Joseph McCormack, a mental health clinician with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service's Disaster Recovery Team, discussed mental health and wellbeing challenges experienced by people of all ages, prevention strategies and the role physical illness can play in mental health.
Regional clinician Sean Winning from TRACC (Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected Communities) and ADA Link Community Connector Amy Goodhew also gave brief presentations about their respective organisations and the services they offer locals.
BMSA secretary Charles Ford said the day was an opportunity to connect the community with services that could make a difference.
“Mental health is a big thing today,” Mr Ford said.
“Days like today are our way of introducing the Burdekin community to all these facilities that are there to help. Hopefully now people have some contacts to turn to.”
He said the event formed part of the association's broader mental health mission.
“We said that our main objective, right from day one, was that we address men's health issues--depression, mental health, loneliness. A lot of [other Men's Shed] clubs are only looking inward at themselves and their members--we're different. We look at the whole community and give back to them, and they give back to us,” he said.
“We are looking after our members, but we're also looking out for future generations of our men.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, who attended the event, said it served a twofold purpose for him.
“It's just a good opportunity for me to call in, get some knowledge, and say thank you to the beautiful citizens that help shape this country of ours,” Mr Willcox said.
He said the visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the issues facing Burdekin locals and gain a better understanding of their experiences and concerns.
At the conclusion of the official proceedings, attendees were invited to socialise and explore the BMSA facility over a sausage sandwich.
A raffle was also drawn, with the winner taking home a bench seat crafted in-house and valued at more than $100.
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