MIFWA is inviting the public to ‘A Night Under The Stars’, a fundraising gala where all funds raised will help MIFWA and five other mental health initiatives that deliver mental health support to people in our grain-growing communities (Regional Men’s Health Initiative, Blue Tree Project, Happiness Co Foundation, 6B’s, and Nick Robbo the mental health advocate living in country WA).
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australians aged 14 – 45, with those in regional areas being twice more likely to take their own lives. We’re calling on you to help us break the cycle by helping us raise funds through ‘A Night Under The Stars’, so we can offer much-needed support to more people in these areas, the backbone of our country.
The event, which will take place on Saturday 5 March, will feature a cocktail gala with live music and entertainment, food and drinks under the stars, alongside a giant blue tree in a paddock on a farm in Williams, offering the perfect backdrop for such a purposeful night.
Tickets start at $173.40, with the option to camp the night for free if you want to sleep under the stars. Just roll out your swag, park up your camper trailer or sleep on the back of your ute.
“Mental health is a major issue across our communities, and the demand is ever-increasing.”
MIFWA has been working in the Wheatbelt for the last decade, supporting families and carers of people facing mental health challenges, and over the past few years, we’ve developed and delivered new mental health training programs in these grain-growing communities.
“Mental health is a major issue across our communities, and the demand is ever-increasing,” said Monique Williamson, chief executive officer of MIFWA, in a recent interview for Rural Focus on Triple M.
“We’ve been so pleased to be able to get out into the community meet them. This event will support us to do more work. The mental health system and getting support can be difficult to navigate. Often, good information and a little bit of support early can make a massive difference, helps people understand what’s happening to them, how to seek help and how to help themselves.”
Ms Williamson said COVID-19 has increased mental health challenges for people, and that the demands for support are high.
Having local people who get it, and can help people, makes a huge difference
“With the mental health system not particularly responsive at times, it’s really important that MIFWA has people out in the community making a difference, especially people with a lived experience of mental health challenges. We’ve trained over a hundred mental health first aiders out across grain-growing communities. Having local people who get it, and can help people, makes a huge difference,” she said.
All money raised from ‘A Night Under The Stars’ will stay in the country to help MIFWA and the other five purpose partners deliver mental health support to people in these communities.
You may purchase tickets to the gala or make a donation — or do both.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support.
For more information on how to buy a ticket or make a donation, visit the official page for ‘A Night Under The Stars’.
By supporting this event, you’ll be supporting MIFWA and Regional Men’s Health Initiative, Blue Tree Project, Happiness Co Foundation, 6B’s, and Nick Robbo the mental health advocate living in country WA.
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