November 9, 2021
Volunteers who have been working hard behind the scenes for more than a decade to tackle mental health issues in the South Burnett took a well-earned break on Friday night.
The South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group had planned to mark its 10th birthday last year, but COVID scuttled that plan.
So the group waited until there was a break in the pandemic to schedule their birthday celebrations, officially marking 11 years on Friday.
The dinner, which attracted about 120 guests, was held at the Kingaroy Town Hall.
Guest speaker was former NRL great and Broncos captain Sam Thaiday, who retired from top-level league in 2018.
Sam has a popular podcast, “We Are Human”, which looks at mental health issues among elite sports stars.
The podcast also details Sam’s own story … the highs and lows of growing up in a mixed race family, his struggles with low self-esteem and how he handled the end of his NRL career.
South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group chair, Cr Danita Potter, said it had been a really good night, and an opportunity for the group members to relax.
“Sam was amazing,” she said.
“He spoke about his history and mental health issues.”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington also spoke about her connections with the group, which go back to the very early days in 2010.
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If you or someone you know needs help, call:
- Lifeline on 13-11-14
- Kids Helpline on 1800-551-800
- MensLine Australia on 1300-789-978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300-659-467
- Beyond Blue on 1300-224-636
