PROUDLY SUPPORTING

Each year I endeavour to raise money for suicide prevention in support of the Black Dog Institute to increase awareness and education in our local community about mental health issues by way of hosting our annual charity event ‘’Groove Away the Blues'' Masquerade Ball for suicide prevention. 2023's event will again be held at Mittagong RSL Club on Saturday the 9th September 2023.

2 in 5 (40%) of us aged 16-85 will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 10 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.

As the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, Black Dog Institutes aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. They do this through ‘translational’ research. Integrating their research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections and create real-world change.

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Every day, at least six Australians die from suicide and a further thirty people will attempt to take their own life. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 25-44 and the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24.

Australians are more likely to die by suicide than skin cancer, yet we know comparatively little about the processes that lead to suicide and how and when to effectively intervene, and men are at the greatest risk of suicide, but they are the least likely to seek help.

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Below are some of the highlights of our previous years.

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