Honouring Mothers, Strengthening Minds, and Building Community Together
By Xavier Hernandez
Wishing everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day. This month, we celebrate not only mothers, but also grandmothers, aunties, carers, and all those who have embraced the role of a mother through love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. My own mother, a single parent, arrived in Australia unable to speak English. Through determination, resilience, and kindness, she provided for our family and taught me the importance of helping others, doing what is right, and viewing challenges as opportunities while embracing our faith.
I would also like to acknowledge remarkable women including Sandy Deo, Usha Chandra, Khue Oan Do, Mandeep, my grandmother, and the many women across our community who quietly go above and beyond each day, sharing kindness, compassion, and strength.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, an important reminder that mental health matters for women, men, and young people alike. In recent reader surveys, one message came through clearly: there is a strong desire for greater conversations around mental health, particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cr Nathan St Ledger, Councillor for Division 4, City of Logan which includes Bannockburn, Belivah, Buccan, Cedar Creek, Kairabah, Waterford, Windaroo, Wolffdene, Yarrabilba, Tamborine, parts of Bethania, and Logan Village. We discussed his journey, his passion for the Logan community, and his unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy.
Mental health is a topic that I care deeply about, particularly when it comes to young people. Like many families, I know individuals who have struggled with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. These conversations are not always easy, but they are necessary, and they can save lives. If you are able to support Cr St Ledger and his team in their important work, I encourage you to reach out.This is an issue that matters greatly to our readers. Many have asked me to cover mental health, especially as young people navigate the growing challenges of social media and artificial intelligence. Please enjoy my interview with Councillor Nathan St Ledger, who is helping break down barriers in this space. He spoke openly and honestly in the hope of helping others. Over the coming months, I will be sharing more from this important conversation.
Xavier: Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers?
Cr Nathan St Ledger: My name is Nathan St Ledger, and I’m an Ambassador and Director of, “A Chance for Change” (ACFC), a mental health and suicide prevention charity supporting men and the wider community.
Xavier: Are you able to tell readers more about mental health?
Cr Nathan St Ledger: I think the key thing with mental health is understanding that everybody has mental health—whether it is good, bad, or somewhere in between. I’m fortunate enough to teach Mental Health First Aid, and one of the biggest lessons is that mental health does not discriminate.It doesn’t matter who you are, your race, your background, or the colour of your skin. Everyone can be affected. For me, it is about spreading awareness, making sure people know what resources and support are available, and reminding people that it is okay to struggle and okay to reach out for help.
Xavier: Would you like to tell our readers a little more about ACFC and how they can support you, your team, and the community?
Cr Nathan St Ledger: Absolutely. A Chance for Change (ACFC) is a mental health and suicide prevention charity that was established in 2015. One of my best mates, Ivan, founded it, and I came on board about nine months later.
At the time, I was running youth programs, and we wanted to strengthen the mental health component of that work. We invited Evan to get involved, and the partnership grew from there. I have always loved what A Chance for Change stands for.
It was created by mates, for mates, to look out for one another. That is really what we are all about. We lose seven men every day to suicide in this country, which is far too many. Suicide is also the leading cause of death for males under 25. That is something we must work together to change.
Xavier: What advice can you give Australian Indian Times readers?
Cr Nathan St Ledger: Honestly, it is the same challenge facing young people everywhere. The world is changing very quickly. We live in a world of instant gratification, where everyone wants everything immediately, and where people compare themselves to others far too often.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: surround yourself with good people, build simple daily healthy habits, and understand that being yourself is more than enough. That realisation alone can be incredibly powerful.
Xavier: Are you able to share your views about social media?
Cr Nathan St Ledger: One of the biggest traps with social media is that it is not very social at all. In many ways, it is the complete opposite. If you look at how people comment and interact online, many would never speak that way to someone face-to-face.
You are always better off having a conversation rather than a confrontation. Genuine human connection is incredibly important for good mental health. Put the phone down sometimes, spend time with people in person, and have real conversations.
Most importantly, find something you are passionate about and get involved. Whether it is Pokémon, football, boxing, music, or anything else, there is a community out there for you. Discover your passion and chase it wholeheartedly.
Mental health affects every family and every community. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and by having open conversations, we help break down barriers and build a more compassionate society.
End of interview.
Over the coming months, I look forward to sharing more from my conversations with Cr. St Ledger and highlighting the important work he continues to do alongside many dedicated members of our community.
From 18 to 24 May, Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week, recognising the extraordinary contributions of volunteers across the country. Volunteering has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has allowed me to work alongside inspiring community leaders, raise awareness about important issues, and connect with people from all walks of life.
I was honoured recently to volunteer at the Girmit Day celebrations in Hillcrest, an event that beautifully honoured history, culture, and community. Another highlight was volunteering at the Lions Club of Inala BBQ at Oxley Bunnings. I have grown up with the club members, and I am proud to call both them and the community we serve family. A special thank you to the Deo family for their ongoing support. Giving our youth, our community, and so many others a voice is truly remarkable.
Volunteering offers countless benefits, from improving mental wellbeing to building lifelong friendships and supporting those in need. At the same time, it is important to remember that while serving others is deeply rewarding, we must also care for ourselves. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
On 20 May, we recognise World Bee Day, highlighting the vital role bees play in our environment and food production. Many readers may not know that I am also a proud beekeeper. I am passionate about supporting our environment, promoting good health, and sharing honey with those who often need it for medicinal purposes.
Unfortunately, the spread of the Varroa mite is posing a serious threat to bee populations and hives across Australia. Raising awareness and supporting our local beekeepers has never been more important. Our bees may be small, but their contribution to our world is enormous.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Together, through kindness, service, and understanding, we can continue building stronger, safer, and more connected communities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can assist with or if you have a story to share.
