NORTHERN District Community Health will amplify mental health awareness in Cohuna on Thursday night.
The four-hour live music event at The Big Cohuna Stockyard will benefit suicide prevention charity R U OK?
Fresh off the national stage after advancing through the blind auditions, The Voice contestant Elias Lanyon will be the headline performer, joining Toli (Life of the Party), One More Weekend and Caitlin Holdcroft.
NDCH youth programs co-ordinator Matt Allan said the talented artists would bring their unique sounds to the stage, creating an unforgettable evening of music and community spirit.
“It’s a combination of two things, one being mental health awareness – in particular, rural areas – and the other being live music and the benefits of that,” Mr Allan said.
“It’s an event for all ages because for all the time and effort to put something like this on, we may as well get as many people there as possible.
“Mental health does not discriminate.”
Mr Allan said Lanyon’s appearance was a big coup for the event.
“We have been working with Elias for about five years and it’s great to see his trajectory and recognition in the public space,” he said.
“It’s fantastic that he’s still keen to perform at local gigs even though he’s a star on the rise.”
Asked about the mental health of the broad Gannawarra community, Mr Allan simply responded “that’s a hard question”.
“Generally we are a really resilient community but we have been hit with some tough times over the past few years – COVID and various floods,” he said.
“Living in communities that have large agricultural populations … the issues flow out to the community as a whole, even if you aren’t directly related to a famer or primary producer.”
Mr Allan said the more society normalised asking for help and getting that help, no matter what it was, the better communities would be.
“This one event won’t solve issues but if we can start conversations, bring families together and talk positively for mental health, it’s a win,” he said.
“There is research out there that live music has positives for mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and bumping up endorphins.
“For many, they leave their problems at the door and can escape from the day-to-day life.
“Like going to the movies: you sit down in a dark room and all your attention goes to the screen … not playing on phones.
“You are completely invested in what you are watching at that moment in time.”
R U OK? Day is marked on Thursday and empowers and inspires all to have regular, meaningful conversations to connect with and support anyone who might be going through a difficult time.
This year’s theme is Ask R U OK? Any Day, highlighting the importance of building trust and normalising conversations around mental health and wellbeing by checking in regularly with friends, family and colleagues.
“Join us for a night that promises not only great entertainment but also an opportunity to make a difference,” Mr Allan said.
“Let’s amplify awareness together and support those who might need a helping hand or a listening ear.”
Tickets to Amplify Awareness, 5pm-9pm, are $10 per person and available online at bit.ly/amplifyawareness or $15 at the door.
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 114. For crisis support, call Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636, headspace, 1800 650 890, or Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800.
