Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is an annual awareness week that aims to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing.

QMHW also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives and encourages those who need to seek help to do so. This year’s theme for QMHW is Take time – for mental health.

In support of QMHW, we are delighted to announce that we are hosting a livestreamed event with Australian Institute of Sports Athlete, Dane Bird-Smith. Dane is a champion race walker and an Olympic bronze medallist. He shares his story of how you can be on top of your game, appear to have it all, yet be in a place of poor mental health.

A childhood dream fed with boundless dedication, commitment and sacrifice. The fantastic realisation of an Olympic medal, Commonwealth Champion and multiple records entwined with the struggles of depression. Dane’s story is far from over but to share the resilience and courage it took to overcome his shadow and continue to perform will inspire, connect and bring much needed awareness to mental health.

An Ambassador for Lifeline and the Australian Institute of Sport, Dane will be joined by USQ’s Head of Psychology, Professor Lorelle Burton and Ben Gouldson from Clifford Gouldson Lawyers.

Please join us for this inspiring free event on Wednesday 14 October at 10.30am.

Registrations are essential and can be made  here

Please note it is important to use the link listed on your ticket to ensure you enter the correct event.

This event has been made possible thanks to the support of the Queensland Academy of Sport, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, USQ and the Australian Institute of Sport.