Southern Grampians celebrate disco style

Southern Grampians 2024 Crew with their certificates 

Southern Grampians Crew hosted an amazing disco-themed Celebration event at the Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre on 31 October.

A packed program included Western District Health Service CEO Rowena Clift presenting the Crew members with certificates recognising the awesome contribution they have made to young people's mental health initiatives this year.

Mental health advocate and host of the podcast 'Let's Talk', guest speaker Luke Thomson congratulated the Year 8s on completing their training and thanked the Crew, saying they inspired him to undertake his own Youth Mental Health First Aid training after attending their launch event earlier this year. Luke also shared a personal connection to this year's theme 'When you're low, say hello'.

Crew-led activities included the hilarious staff vs students dodge ball tournament, plus table tennis, disco photo wall and affirmations board, smoothie bikes, as well as a quiet space. Special guest and star of the event was Good Shepherd College's wellbeing dog, Toula!

Tony Doyle, CEO, Southern Grampians Shire Council was also in attendance, as well as members of the Southern Grampians Partnership Group. Thanks to guest speaker, Luke Thomson, and Live4Life Southern Grampians partnership members: lead agency Western District Health Service (and Youth Engagement Officer Tillee Huf), Beyond the Bell, Brophy Family & Youth Services, Glenelg Southern Grampians LLEN, Southern Grampians Shire Council, Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc., Wellways, YACVic Rural, Bainbridge College, Balmoral Community College, Good Shepherd College, The Hamilton & Alexandra College, Hamilton Parklands School, Monivae College, South West TAFE.

Live4Life Southern Grampians is supported by the Alcohol & Drug Foundation and the Victorian Government through their Engage! program.