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.
SPRING HILL, the annual Gandhi Jayanti organized by GOPIO Queensland and supported by FICQ, GSML, Gandhi Statue committee, and other organizations, was held at Gandhi statue near gate six of Roma Street Parkland prescient on 2nd October.
Despite the rainy conditions, staunch supporters of the cause gathered at the statue to pay tributes; Umesh Chandra OAM, the MC, welcomed everyone to the event, and mentioned that while we celebrated Gandhi Ji’s birthday, we should not forget Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji who was also born on 2nd October.
Voters are reminded that Saturday 21 May is election day, and support is available to help them have their say in Australia’s future.
You can use a rapid antigen test to find out if you have COVID-19. The test can be used quickly and privately in your home.
This year, Life Eternal Trust Australia [LETA], popularly known as Sahaja Yoga Meditation organised a public program on Sunday, 20th March from 12 noon to 5 pm at the Sutton’s Beach, Redcliffe to celebrate cultural diversity, and promote LETA’s 30 years of contributions to socio-cultural and economic life, encouraging social cohesion and inclusiveness within the Moreton Bay Region.
The official segment of the program started from 2 pm with Aunty Betty delivering a very insightful acknowledgement of country and Adjunct Professor Dr Sudipto Roy extending a warm welcome on behalf of LETA to all the participants, including the online participants who had tuned in from across Australia and other parts of the world.
Sudipto shared the message from Leanne Linard MP [Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs] highlighting the significance of the program and acknowledging LETA’s contribution to Queensland, Moreton Bay Region in particular. Councillor Sandra Ruck [Division 5 Moreton Bay Region], Councillor Steven Huang [The MacGregor Ward] and Brett Johnson [LETA National Coordinator] shared their wonderful messages of hope and harmony along with deep insights about the benefits of the program.
The speeches were interspersed with live music and instrumental music performances. LETA’s music group Sahaj Sangeet captivated the audience with lively music, rhythmic hand movements and clapping. Coralie Jessop on Santoor with Rudrodipto Roy on tabla thrilled the audience while Rudrodipto’s Saxophone rendition Maroon 5’s “Memories” left the audience with an invigorating experience.
In the last session, Leanne Lingard demonstrated simple meditation techniques followed by a soothing piece by Gaspar Hunt on piano to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Sudipto concluded the program with a vote of thanks, acknowledging Moreton Bay Regional Council for proudly supporting the event with generous funding, and invited the participants to join follow-up sessions and programs.
Sandeep Mann can’t wipe the smile off her face as she nurses her newborn baby girl – a special delivery on Valentine’s Day.
Mrs Mann said her relatives in India were “very excited” about Vaani’s Valentine’s Day arrival.
