Tumby Bay will highlight the benefits of physical exercise and the outdoors on mental health when it opens its upgraded Mangrove Boardwalk later this month.
Multiple community groups have joined forces to host a community event to join the Mental Health Foundation Australia’s National Walk for Mental Health on October 17.
Following the opening of the boardwalk on October 17 at 10.30am by Member for Flinders Peter Treloar and District Council of Tumby Bay Mayor Sam Telfer, the groups will lead a walk from the Mangrove Boardwalk around to the event at the Island Lookout Tower and Reserve.
Here the Tumby Bay Parkinson’s Support Group, Beacon of Hope Wellness Group, Tumby Bay Lion’s Club and Tumby Bay Progress Association will have a sausage sizzle, balloon making, rock painting, trading table and lawn games.
Parkinson’s Support Group founder and organizer of the event, Tash Clark, said local GP Emmy Hennell, would highlight the importance of exercise and the outdoors on mental health at all ages.
“As someone who lives with Parkinson’s, I know firsthand how important these things are,” she said.
“If I don’t move every day, I can get severely depressed. But exercise keeps me going, keeps me positive and feeling good.”
Beacon of Hope member Danica Gates showed each of the groups involved wanted to recognize and champion mental wellness among the community, and they were a great way to raise awareness and reduce stigma, because challenges to mental health affected everyone.
“Events like this are building up proactive factors within our community, they reduce stigma and raise awareness,” she said.
And it’s a simple message.
“Everyone needs to think about how they can be proactive in looking after their mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
“Walking, doing something creative, simple things and often, and things you can do with others, to create connection. Social connection is one of the most important things that can lessen risk factors in your mental health.”
Mayor Sam Telfer said it was great to see the community coming together.
“Community support is so important, but especially when people are going through challenging mental times,” he said.
“Events such as this brings community together, but also can highlight people and organisations which can help with that support.”
The spotlight on mental health in Tumby Bay continues that day with a men’s afternoon from 3.30pm at Tumby Bay Football Club featuring comedian the Beautiful Bogan Marc Ryan, SANFL footballer Zane Kirkwood and co-founder of INATT Whyalla Jeremy Edwards, with a free barbecue provided.
PLEASE NOTE: The Tumby Bay Progress Association's trishaw will be used during the walk from Berryman Street to the Lookout, but not within the mangrove walk.