As we entered Mental Health Month, I looked forward to continuing discussions around a topic that has been of focus for us at ECCQ. On Saturday 21st October the first workshop was held with active community members and leaders to share the opportunities and challenges community leaders face when discussing mental health, as part of the Empowering Queensland’s Leaders Project. This workshop helped to identify some of the key gaps in resourcing for community leaders and will work towards the development of a resource through further workshops by May 2024.
Although Mental Health Month has concluded, the conversation about mental health should not end. I encourage everyone to commit to improving our connectedness. There are lots of ways to meet new people, and to maintain connection with those around you.
As you may know part of what has made this month difficult for so many people across the country, especially our First Nations communities was the disappointment and realisation of an unsuccessful referendum. I so deeply wanted us to progress forward in honor of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, this was not the outcome I hoped for. However, in my moment of reflection, I became inspired by the demonstration of solidarity between the multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I developed a hope in that a foundation for a stronger future has been laid, moreover; ECCQ remains determined to walk alongside our First Nations people towards positive change.
In a world that often seems fractured by division and adversity, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the collective hurt that many are experiencing. It’s impossible to ignore the challenges and conflicts that persist both on our doorsteps and across the globe.
The images of suffering and turmoil we witness can be deeply disheartening. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember our shared humanity, our capacity for empathy, and our potential to make a proactive impact.
We are not powerless, we have the ability to unite, to come together as a force for good, and to work towards peace and understanding. It’s a collective effort that begins with each one of us, a commitment to respect, tolerance, and compassion. In the face of hurt, our mission as advocates takes on even greater significance.
I believe that together we have the potential to be a beacon of hope, a catalyst for unity, and a driver of transformative policy change. I encourage all of us to join the mission of building bridges, and of contributing to a world that’s more just and peaceful.
