As a part of a combined Rotary Clubs initiative on addressing PTSD and mental health, the Don’t Bottle it Up campaign kicked off with a highly successful event on 16 May at Cooroy RSL Club, hosted by the Cooroy Rotary Club.
Over 100 eager attendees, including members of the public and Rotary, heard an inspirational talk by Dr Ben Isbel on how mindfulness can have a real impact on the ageing mind and dementia.
The five Rotary Clubs, Noosa Heads, Noosa Daybreak, Noosa, Cooroy and Eumundi, have united to undertake a campaign aimed at awareness, education, knowledge, support, and pathways for recovery through this campaign that will culminate in a major event to be held during Mental Health Week in October.
Bob Birkhead from Noosa Heads Rotary Club said, “This session by Dr Isbel is the start of a detailed campaign to ensure that our combined clubs will make a difference.
“We have been buoyed by the extent of support from a host of personalities and celebrities as we move forward with our Don’t Bottle it Up initiative.“
One of these personalities is Rob Brough from Channel 7 local news who has thrown his support behind the Rotary campaign.
“This initiative is just so important and what a terrific job Rotary are doing in connecting with people and making a difference,“ Mr Brough said.
Another key group which has gotten behind the campaign represent the four football codes in Noosa, the Tigers, the Dolphins, the Pirates, and the Lions.
The star players will be doing a community meet and greet from 10am on Saturday 18 June at Noosaville Lions Park in support of the initiative.
“This connection is a vital part of the efforts of all football codes to address wellbeing and healthy lifestyles for players, including the youth of the community,“ Mr Birkhead said.
Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton, Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart, and Noosa Councillors have joined forces for the campaign.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart encouraged their aim to bring a new approach to addressing the issues involved with mental health.
“I am very supportive of this joint initiative to provide awareness, education, support and pathways forward for those impacted,“ she said.
MP Sandy Bolton said, “This initiative first started in 2021 and, although these issues are not unique to our area, the joint drive from these Rotary Clubs means that a real focus is being made to assist in a very positive directional way for people in our community.“
Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien said this type of awareness program was vital in our community to reduce stigma related to mental health issues.
“Mental health is an area of significant concern in all parts of Australia, including Wide Bay, and its impacts have been magnified during the Covid-19 pandemic,“ Mr O’Brien said.
“The heavily tourism-reliant Noosa economy has faced the double blow of several large and damaging bushfires during 2019-2020 which was then swiftly followed by Covid-19 lockdowns and border closures resulting in a downturn in visitors.
“These factors have disrupted the education of our youths as well as disproportionately affecting the livelihood of young casual employees in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“This has caused increased stress and uncertainty and therefore the combined Rotary Club’s proposal seeks to increase mental wellbeing education in an accessible environment.”
Meet Noosa’s sport stars at Noosaville Lions Park from 10am on Saturday 18 June and keep an eye out for future events.
