Uniting for Mental Health

FRASER COAST MATES are excited to announce their inaugural Dinner Event on Friday 14 October at the Beach House Hotel in Scarness. Featuring guest speaker Wayne Schwass, ex AFL Star and CEO of Puka Up with guest performer, Fraser Coast’s own Jade Holland. Event organiser Darren Bosley said, “This event has been anticipated for many years and we finally have the chance to have this night.” “We are very fortunate to have a guest speaker Wayne Schwass, ex AFL star of 282 games and CEO for Puka Up.” “His post football career will both educate and inspire you. He is the founder of PukaUp an organisation with a vision is ‘to create the environments for every person to have authentic and genuine conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing’.”

The AFL world witnessed one of the great players for over 15 years while he suffered in silence. Schwass is an AFL great, broadcaster and commentator who is deeply passionate about preventing suicide in Australia. Puka Up organisation gives Australian’s the tools to create mentally healthy workplaces and communities through education, conversation and storytelling. Mr Bosley said, “We also will enjoy the world recognised voice of Jade Holland who has been an advocate for mental health awareness for many years.” The event will be a fun opportunity to learn more about the vital work not for profit organisation Fraser Coast Mates does for the community. “Our community has been a strong advocate for raising

awareness for Mental Health and Suicide prevention. “This is an opportunity to come together and educate ourselves to be a better local community. “This night is aimed to be an annual event where conversations are shared, and we develop more ambassadors for our message,” said Mr Bosley. Major sponsor, Prime Agent’s Principal Leah Quinn, said they were happy to support such an event, “We love supporting community groups that equally support the community, and we think Fraser Coats Mates do an awesome job of really getting down to grassroots; connecting back to people.” “Let’s make this one of the most important nights on the Fraser Coast social calendar” said Mr Bosley. All funds raised go to local counselling support services and local mental health awareness initiatives. Table bookings (10 people) are now available to be directly for $1,100. Simply email admin@frasercoastmates. com.au. Individual bookings for $125 per person can be booked through Eventbrite. “This is a night we unite for Mental Health Awareness.”