For local Liz Sefton, her moment to speak out had been 28 years in the making.
It was 1991 when her brother Frank took his own life.
‘‘It was a shock to us because we had no idea,’’ she said.
‘‘He was dealing with things himself, and at that time suicide wasn’t that talked about. Even today I find there is still a stigma around it. My hope is that by putting my story out there, people remember how important it is to check in with each other.
‘‘My biggest wish now is to open the conversation around mental health, wellness and emotional resilience in our community.’’
She and Dr Suzy McCleary from Echuca have organised a wellness event - ‘The art of self love’ - for people to learn about keeping themselves, and their loved ones, well.
Held in Echuca at the Moama Bowling Club, proceeds will go to the Love Me Love You Foundation, to provide workshops that create awareness, education and offer support around mental health and well being to schools, sporting and community groups. Local regional manager for the charity, Kyabram’s Warren Davies, will also be at the event.
Kim Morrison, who set a world record as the youngest female to run 100 miles in less than 24 hours in 1989, will be guest speaker.
Athlete Cliff Young was her mentor, and she still lives by his ethos that success is 90 per cent mental and 10 per cent physical. She has used her running story as a direct metaphor for life – riding the highs, hitting the walls, pushing through the pain barriers, crossing the line and never, ever giving up.
As a five times best-selling author, creative director of Twenty8 and a multi-tasking mum and wife, Kim will share her essential tools for self-care, discipline, leadership and teamwork.
Life coach Tash Spencer will MC the event and there will be exhibitors in the wellness space, a raffle and great prizes.
Tickets are $65 which includes light refreshments and a goodie bag and available on Eventbrite. For all enquiries, contact Liz Sefton on 0438 532 261 or Suzy McCleary on 5480 2095.
The event is being supported by Echuca Family Acupuncture, Liz Sefton -The Nourishing Home and major sponsor the Moama Bowling Club.
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