Guest Speaker: Finn Mansbridge Mental Health and the LGBTIQ community. Finn, a Social Work student has been a LGBTIQ Mental Health Peer worker in 
the community and currently is a peer practitioner in a short term Mental Health residential service. In a pre recorded video using a combination of lived experiences and data from Aust Govt. sites he shared information around Mental Health and the LGBTIQ community in regional and remote towns. Finn charted his own journey with mental health, documenting experiencing major depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal ideations in his early 20’s. By his mid to late 20’s he started his gender identity journey, accepting himself as a transgender man. He then began his healing journey, getting the supports he needed to live his authentic self. Mental health affects everyone. Finn spoke of how LGBTIQ people in rural locations are more likely to experience mental health differences (cf the Non LGBTIQ population) and have poorer access to health services that understand LGBTIQ health. He outlined suicide prevention that we all can do—and provided a range of family and carer support resources to access. Finn’s thought provoking and most relevant and helpful video can be accessed on You Tube at https://youtu.be/isrIIc5dv44
the community and currently is a peer practitioner in a short term Mental Health residential service. In a pre recorded video using a combination of lived experiences and data from Aust Govt. sites he shared information around Mental Health and the LGBTIQ community in regional and remote towns. Finn charted his own journey with mental health, documenting experiencing major depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal ideations in his early 20’s. By his mid to late 20’s he started his gender identity journey, accepting himself as a transgender man. He then began his healing journey, getting the supports he needed to live his authentic self. Mental health affects everyone. Finn spoke of how LGBTIQ people in rural locations are more likely to experience mental health differences (cf the Non LGBTIQ population) and have poorer access to health services that understand LGBTIQ health. He outlined suicide prevention that we all can do—and provided a range of family and carer support resources to access. Finn’s thought provoking and most relevant and helpful video can be accessed on You Tube at https://youtu.be/isrIIc5dv44Chair Penny thanked Finn for his prerecorded informative video, noting that the Yea Hospital has now increased its Mental Health support and that after the coming weekend six more community members will be trained in Mental Health First Aid. Please reach out if you need support.
3 minuter Julie Lynch Julie spoke about the joy, curiosity and wonder sparked by birdwatching (not a twitcher!) an interest she shares with husband Ian. Bird watching offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature; it provides mental health benefits and it’s an informal mindfulness practice. Together she and Ian always travel with their binoculars, camera, field guides, and the Merlin App. Shortly they are heading up to Lake Cargelligo in NSW– a well renowned birding hot spot where they will observe birds from purposefully constructed bird hides. But you don’t need to travel hundreds of kms to see a variety of birds– many species can be observed in your own back yard or local wetlands. The Great Aussie Bird Count is taking place from 19-25th October. Spend 20 minutes outside and discover your local birds, connect with nature and help build a national snapshot of our amazing birdlife!
Secretary’s Report: Glenda Woods Christmas Cake orders now being taken. Email from Anglican parish of St Luke’s requesting support for their Christmas hampers project. Invitation from Mitchell Shire to attend a Community Disaster Relief Network session (22nd October 10am to 12.30pm) at the Seymour Race Club. The session will be facilitated by Anne Leadbeater, a nationally recognised leader in disaster recovery and community resilience. Community Chairs Darryl and Sam, along with Secretary Glenda will attend a community evening at Seymour Bunnings.
Chair Penny thanked Finn for his pre recorded informative video, noting that the Yea Hospital has now increased its Mental Health support and that after the coming weekend six more community members will be trained in Mental Health First Aid. Please reach out if you need support.
 Lift the Lid: Peter Tull awarded best hat by barman and judge Michael |  Caterers: Kerry Tull and her family were thanked for a wonderful meal Kerry’s daughter Nicole and grandchildren had departed for home by the time the photographer appeared! |
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