Dear President
 
Thank you particularly to those Rotarians and clubs who have done something positive in our communities during Mental Health Month. It’s encouraging to see many efforts coming to light, such as Lift the Lid Walks, art shows and golf days, Mental Health Week forums, panels and speakers, and family and community opportunities to chat over coffee or a sausage at Bunnings etc.
 
As you may be aware, Australian Rotary Health’s 20 year or more focus on mental health, particularly with its Lift the Lid program, has made Rotary across Australia a leading player in innovative research in this crucial area of family and community health. This is an area where Rotary has real credibility and strategic advantage for effective promotion.
 
In Western Australia this month we ask you to announce three initiatives briefly to members, families, friends and colleagues at your club meetings and in your newsletters etc: 
  1. ASK THE EXPERTS - Thursday 14 November 2024, John McGrath Pavilion (Hensman Street, South Perth) ARH WA and Perron Institute research scholars will present their 2024 community neuroscience forum - featuring some of WA's brightest new researchers in this field. RSVPs are now open at https://events.humanitix.com/arh-wa-perron-institute-ask-the-experts-2024
  2. 2024 Rotary WA ARH Mental Health PhD Awards - Nominations for the 2024 Awards, a statewide Vocational Service award, are open now until the 30 November deadline.  Details of the early-mid April awards ceremony will be provided well beforehand.
  3. 2025 Mental Health Fair - ARH WA has opportunity for a prototype mental health event (within the Hyde Park Festival, March 2025 Labour Day Weekend). We would love to hear from Rotarians and their contacts passionate about family and community mental health and well-being, especially from those with great ideas on making it interesting, informative and engaging for families.
We particularly ask Rotarians and clubs to promote the Perron Institute forum across their networks, and on their social media. Social media content will be available via Facebook (RotaryWAhealthRotary Out West and hopefully Rotary Western Australia).
 
For further information, or to get involved, raise possibilities or contribute to these initiatives in any way, please contact your ARH WA team at ARHWAteam@gmail.com, or via RotaryWAhealth.
 
Yours in Rotary service
 
 
Warwick Smith
Convenor, WA Team, Australian Rotary Health
Rotary Western Australia
Rotary 'Homeless Hub’ & Eye Contact
ESRAG-WA Interest Group

Passionate Rotarian & Past President, Heirisson Rotary
Together, Everyone Achieves More!
E: arhwateam@gmail.com
F: @RotaryWAhealth
M: 0419 967 628