Middway walk organisers Jane Boldiston and Deirdre Byrne said that one in five people in By Rebecca Fraser
THE local community has been urged to take part in next month’s MIDDWAY walk and festival to help eradicate the stigma often associated with mental illness.
The MIDDWAY (Mental Illness Doesn’t Discriminate, What About You?) walk aims to break down the barriers of ignorance and fear and improve community understanding and acceptance of mental illness.
One of the key themes for the 2005 walk will be highlighting the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise in both improving mental heath and combating mental illness.
Each year the Eastern Regions Mental Health Association (ERMHA) and the MIDDWAY alliance, consisting of 20 mental health providers, carers and service users, host the walk in Dandenong.
This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, 12 October and comedian Peter Rowsthorn, one of the stars of the ABC TV show ‘Kath and Kim’, will be MC on the day.
A dance group from the Bunnurong Aboriginal Community will also perform.
Speakers this year will include the former head of the ACCC Professor Alan Fels, State Parliamentary Secretary for Health Daniel Andrews, Greater Dandenong mayor Maria Sampey, RSL national president Major Bill Crews, Victorian Shadow Minister for Health David Davis and ERMHA chief executive and chair of the MIDDWAY alliance Peter Waters.
The festival will feature information stalls, activities, free food and entertainment including performances by local bands and a special appearance by the BiPolar Bears.
The BiPolar Bears are Victoria’s best known advocates for the combination of music and mental health.
With a repertoire of original songs and covers, the BiPolar Bears have performed regularly since 1991 at a wide range of events including conferences, launches, festivals, drama performances, parties and mental health events.
Mark Raffety, who played Darcy in the longrunning TV series ‘Neighbours’ will again be joining the walk this year and local Radio 3SERFM will broadcast the event live.
The 1.5kilometre MIDDWAY Community Walk and Festival for mental health starts at 11am on 12 October at Dandenong Park.
For further details contact ERHMA, phone 9706 7388.
