Bathurst, Australia – The Goanna Academy, led by rugby league legend Greg Inglis, in partnership with the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), is set to focus on mental health awareness through a community workshop in Bathurst. The aim is to help individuals connect with vital local support services.
Scheduled for October 24 at the Kelso Community Hub in Bathurst, this free mental health workshop is supported by the local Community Mental Health Team and Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson, who is urging the Bathurst community to actively participate.
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson noted, “This event is a great opportunity for the community to connect, particularly during Mental Health Month. Not just to connect with a mental health champion like Greg Inglis, but also with one another and health professionals. Hearing from others with lived experience can be extremely reassuring for people who are considering reaching out for mental health support, but it’s also incredibly important they know where they can receive that support in their local community.”
Greg Inglis, founder of the Goanna Academy, will be sharing his personal journey, including his struggles with mental health, with the hope of inspiring others to seek assistance. His goal is to make people feel more confident and comfortable when reaching out for support, particularly those within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Inglis emphasized the importance of seeking help and speaking openly about mental health, especially during these challenging times. He said, “We’ve all been through some pretty tough times recently, and looking after our mental health is more important than ever. I say from experience suffering in silence won’t help. Support is always there, and hopefully, people might be able to take something from what I’ve learned over the years to help them take that next step and get themselves some help.”
WNSWLHD Mental Health’s Drug and Alcohol Bathurst and Region Hub Manager, Josh Spicer, highlighted that the Goanna Academy’s visit builds on the success of the weekly Mawang Yarning Circle held at the Kelso Community Hub in recent months. He underlined the importance of providing a safe space for individuals to share their stories and emphasized the benefits of physical activity for mental health.
The Goanna Academy workshop is open to all and does not require registration. The event will feature a barbecue lunch, followed by rugby league-based activities for kids and teenagers, concluding with a meet-and-greet session.
