Mental Health Week 2025: Around the regions

During Mental Health Week (4–12 October), selectability hosted and attended events across our footprint to promote the importance of connection for mental health and wellbeing. These events encouraged conversations about how we can strengthen our connection with others, ourselves, nature and our communities.

Read more about how we encouraged conversations across each region below.

Mackay

Celebrating mental health week with a splash of green

Recipients and the Mackay Clubhouse team marked Mental Health Week by hosting a green-themed pool party at the local lagoons.

We invited the community to dress in green to raise awareness for mental health, and the day was all about connection, fresh air and fun. From the BBQ and music to group activities and giant boardgames, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A highlight was the most creative green outfit competition, with Shirley taking out the prize and celebrating with a well-earned soft drink! Shirley went above and beyond by making green hats for others to wear on the day, she also made green fabric headbands and even a green apron for the BBQ chef.

The event was a great way for the team, recipients and community members to come together and share in the spirit of connecting for Mental Health Week.

Moranbah

On World Mental Health Day, Friday 10 October 2025, the Moranbah Hub welcomed the community and fired up the BBQ to raise awareness about mental health.

Visitors enjoyed a chat with the team and a burger, while connecting and learning more about wellbeing services available locally.

Burdekin

A creative day of fun, connection and awareness!

Recipients came together for Queensland Mental Health Week at the Burdekin Mental Health Hub. Taking part in a mindful session of arts & crafts allowing them to creatively unwind and express their talents. They also celebrated by going on a group outing in the park to enjoy some delicious burgers and refreshing snacks, while taking the time to connect with one another and nature. 

The team also took part in the community event for the Burdekin Coffee and Connections Health and Wellbeing Expo. Standing alongside other local services in the community for a day of connection, fun activities and live music. 

Bowen

The community came together for a day of fun, connection and awareness!

On World Mental Health Day, the Bowen team welcomed the community for a day full of activities, food and conversation to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing.

Clubhouse members had been busy preparing for the day, creating jewellery and artwork for sale and organising raffles and prizes, with all proceeds going back into the Clubhouse. Visitors were inspired by the guest speaker and were able to access resources to support their mental wellbeing.

The team also ran Blue Tree Project activities, adding even more opportunities for connection and engagement.

Mindfulness Market

The team attended the Mindfulness market held by Bowen High School which celebrated the importance of Queensland Mental Health Week. 

Ingham

World Mental Health day in Ingham

The day began with a big breakfast, as the Ingham team welcomed recipients and community members to connect over a warm meal. The event aimed to strengthen community ties and celebrate the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

Following the floods earlier this year, it’s more important than ever to start conversations, offer support and check in with our wider community.

As part of Mental Health Week, the Ingham clubhouse also ventured out to Lucinda, where recipients connected with nature and enjoyed a range of relaxing activities, from playing musical instruments and blowing bubbles to patting dogs and sharing memorable moments with one another.

Rockhampton

The hub fires up the BBQ for mental health

The Rockhampton Mental Health Hub welcomed the community, hosting a relaxed BBQ to encourage connection and give visitors the chance to explore the space.

It was a great opportunity to come together, share a meal and learn more about the support available locally.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors, and Central Queensland, Donna Kirkland MP, attended the event and met with community members to show her support for local mental health initiatives.

The BBQ also featured displays from the Men’s Shed and QCWA, along with rock painting, mental health-themed colouring-in and a photo booth. The team from Galactic Donuts sweetened the day with a generous donut donation, which was a big hit with attendees.

There was a fantastic response from the community, with many taking the chance to connect, learn and enjoy a relaxed day together.

Townsville

Upskilling to better support one another and our community

This week, a group of employees along with community members opted to complete Mental Health First Aid training through selectability Training.

Over two days the training delivered by MHFA facilitator Bryn Hicks gave participants valuable skills to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

"I feel more confident to recognise the signs that someone may need mental health support in my personal life or workplace" October 2025 participant

Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive workplace and community.

Taking time for self

Employees in Townsville were invited to take part in a wellness workout featuring gentle chair-based exercises. This gave each participant a chance to check in with themselves while connecting with others through a shared activity.

Employees engage with local service providers for common cause

selectability employees from the Mental Health Hub, Clubhouse, and Wadda Mooli crisis support space attended Centacare NQ’s Big Blue Table Breakfast and Wellbeing Expo.

This year’s theme, “Thriving team, Thriving workplace”, offered attendees valuable insights into current community trends and challenges. Key speakers shared lived experiences, practical strategies, and inspiration to support those around us while fostering a positive, proactive mindset.

Events like this help our teams strengthen connections, gain knowledge, and continue to make a meaningful impact in the community.

MP visit to Mental Health Hub in Townsville

The selectability Mental Health Hub also welcomed State Member for Townsville, Adam Bailie MP during mental health week.

Adam met with employees at the Mental Health Hub to learn more about the challenges many Townsville residents face and the support the hub provides our community. He also had the chance to connect with Allan Jefferson, a strong advocate of selectability’s BikeSheds who raises funds and awareness for good mental health through his endurance racing.

Locals supporting locals in Townsville

selectability was proud to be part of the community supporting the Rotary Club of Townsville Saints and their Lift the Lid walk, held on Sunday morning. The event brought the community together to raise funds for mental health research. It was a beautiful sunny day in Townsville, giving attendees the chance to connect during the walk and afterwards with a relaxed breakfast at Riverway.

From North Queensland to Brisbane: recognised for excellence

selectability finialists at Mental Health Week awards

Our executives rounded out the week in Brisbane to support our finalists in two categories at the 2025 Queensland Mental Health Week awards.

Julie Ross, regional coordinator of the Ingham Mental Health Hub, represented her team recognised as a finalist in the Workplace – Community Wellbeing category. Our Wadda Mooli crisis support team, represented by Samantha Church, program coordinator from Townsville, was also a finalist in the Jude Bugeja – Lived Experience Excellence Award category.

Although they did not receive category awards, these nominations recognise the dedication of our staff to improving the lives of people with mental illness, their families and community.

Out from the mist

Some of our staff also attended the inspiring Out From The Mist event in Brisbane. The event showcased real experiences of mental illness and amplified diverse voices through powerful artistic storytelling.