GOPIO Queensland’s Mental Health Seminar focused on Awareness and Beyond
BRISBANE, after the massive success of their maiden Mental Health awareness event in 2021, GOPIO Queensland saw it fit to hold the second one this year, realizing how important it was to raise awareness and to go beyond the three-focus area being – acknowledge- Understand and act.
This year with the support of Brisbane City Council and Queensland Mental Health Commission, GOPIO Queensland took the event beyond awareness. It focused on understanding the subject and getting the tools and strategies to tackle the ever-so-growing mental health issues within our society. The event was supported by Copy Cat printing and promotional items, Cornerstone Law offices, and Councilor Sandy Landers. At the same time, the exclusive media partners were Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio.
The main auditorium of Brisbane City Hall provided the perfect backdrop for the function, which began with networking amongst speakers, presenters, and other attendees. The event’s central coordinator was Arpit Singh, vice president of GOPIO Queensland, quite aptly assisted by Sahil Sinha as floor manager, while Mayuresh Lande assisted with the AV. Irene Bayldon and Rani Sharma assisted with the registration, and Nayda Hernadez helped with raffles. Raffle prizes were donated by Councilor Sandy Landers, Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, Rakesh and Rani Sharma, Ron Baker of Golden Key Realty, and Vikas Sinha of Finance point Australia.
Councilor Sandy Landers shared her lived experience and thoughts on the importance of raising awareness and going beyond understanding to action. There was a presentation by the Black dog institute followed by a powerful and thought-provoking dance by the Nishaan group. This was followed by keynote speeches, Associate professor Dr. Alka Kothari came with a well-researched presentation focused on the importance of men’s mental health, especially during childbirth. At the same time, the female partner gets attention often, and the mental status of men during this time is overlooked. Prof Nigar Khawaja (Ph.D.), Drago Ileana – Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre, and Evelyn Nguyen; Umesh Chandra OAM joined the speakers in the panel session moderated by Arpit Singh.
After the keynote speeches, there was a second dance choreographed to the theme by Prana Group, following which a short movie featuring Deepika Padukone on her battle with mental was screened. The panel discussion led to the audience interaction with Questions and answers. The audience’s response and eagerness to learn more about the topic’s importance were highlighted. Overall, a highly successful event.
