Mental Health Month - October - Free Community Concerts
October is Mental Health Month and the theme this year is Warra Warra Paki - Together We Celebrate.
This year's theme focuses on the importance of social connections in our journey to better our mental health and our ability to cope with life's challenges. Good social connections not only improve our overall mental health and wellbeing, they also build our resilience.
Connecting with others is important for our health and wellbeing. Research indicates that feeling connected, valued and loved by others gives us a sense of security, support, purpose and happiness. Close connections and good relationships with others allow us to enjoy the good times in our lives and helps us deal with the hard experiences we face. This is important for all of us!
Unfortunately in today's society, we have many demands on our attention and time, and more people experience loneliness in Australia than ever before. People with lived experience of Mental Illness or disorders can be far worse, as individuals can face social exclusion, stigma and discrimination. As social beings, this can affect all aspects of our wellbeing.
Far West Local Health District in partnership with local services within the Far West will host four free concerts in Broken Hill, Dareton, Menindee and Wilcannia to promote the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.
The concerts will feature special guest Roger Knox, Aboriginal Singer/Songwriter.
As an empathetic and grass roots Aboriginal icon he is much in demand throughout his community. Roger's real love is community - uplifting, healing and bringing together all members of community for a brighter future, due to Roger's life time induction into the National Indigenous Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
His recovery after a plane accident in his early 30's took a great deal of courage and belief in himself. Not only was he plagued for many years by terrible nightmares, he also needed to wean himself off the medications that were given to him in hospital) for the terrible burns covering his body. He credits his Auntie Hannah back home on Country (Toomelah) for healing him with her bush medicine and her chanting. Thankful for the gift of his life he strives to be a positive role model for his community and he is never happier than when he is among his people.
Each year Roger gives his time to go into different correctional centres and jails, especially around NAIDOC. Over the last couple of years Roger has emerged into a strong Aboriginal man, quietly and gently leading the way. He does so without judgement, loving all community, fully aware of the challenges faced by all Aboriginal people and their communities.
Warra Warra Paki - Together We Celebrate and share the journey through the highlights that it is essential that we recognise through the connection to culture, family, kinship and community. Our culture, family, kinship and community provides us with support, strength and resilience to overcome challenges and the concerts are an opportunity to celebrate this together as a community!
Concert timetable:
Dareton - Wentworth Football Club: Tuesday 15 October, doors open 12pm.
Broken Hill - West Football Club: Wednesday 16 October, doors open 5pm
Wilcannia - Community Hall: Thursday 17 October, doors open 5pm.
Menindee - Community Hall: Friday 18 October, doors open 5pm.
Entry is free and a meal is provided. There will be doors prizes! This is a drug and alcohol free event.
Everyone is invited! Please come along and walk together in sharing a positive journey and an evening of fun for everyone!