Just how important is the role of music in the therapeutic treatment of people who have been touched by a host of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and PTSD?
The combined Rotary Clubs of Cooroy, Noosa Heads, Eumundi, Noosa Daybreak & Noosa, under the banner of Rotarians 4 Mental Health, have been actively seeking answers to this question and all of the available research has shown that music is undoubtably a potential pathway for an improved level of wellness and mental fitness.
With a campaign that is aimed at getting people to Don’t Bottle it Up this initiative has seen the group plan a major free community music event to be held at Noosaville Lions Park from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 17 September, where talented local musicians will be on stage to highlight the positive impact that music has on the human spirit and soul.
Bob Birkhead, member of Noosa Heads Rotary Club and chair of the organising committee said, “We are aware of the extent of mental health issues on the Sunshine Coast and by holding this day we hope that people touched by the range of mental health issues can see how the love of music, whatever the genre may be, can and does have a very positive impact on just how we feel.“
The recent winners of the best band section of the Noosa Busking Championships Ampersand will be performing at the event, along with fellow artists Envyy, Jack Raymond, Summer Jade, STAPLE, and Yeah the Girls.
Ampersand’s keyboard player Jarrod Tutbury, 18, said “As a musician, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that playing and listening to music has on mental health.“
“Playing music as a group activity helps to build strong relationships and support networks. As a young male adult, I strongly believe in the importance of people, especially young males, reaching out when impacted by mental health issues.“
The iconic Noosa legend, Barry Charles will also be performing with his band.
“I have always known the healing and comfortably rewarding pleasure that live music brings to people, so I am very happy to have been invited to perform at this years Rotary Clubs event,“ he said.
“I hope to see you there so we can all make this a wonderful and memorable day for this fantastic mental health initiative.“
On the day Rotary members will be holding a sausage sizzle and conducting some raffles that will assist the campaign going forward.
Head to Noosaville Lions Park from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 17 September for a free family day and listen to local talent.
