THE Rotary Club of Bendigo South intends to throw its weight behind causes promoting the community’s mental health, according to its new president.
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Rod Spitty became the club’s leader at a changeover dinner at the Shamrock Hotel on Thursday night.
He said promoting community mental health would be a particular area of focus for the Rotary Club of Bendigo South during the next 12 months.
The club already has a number of fundraising events in mind, with intentions to support the Bendigo branches of organisations such as headspace and Lifeline.
But Mr Spitty expected an address next month by Bendigo Health psychiatric services executive director, Associate Professor Phil Tune would help refine the club’s program of events.
Dr Tune is expected to provide the Rotary members with an insight into the state of mental health in central Victoria.
A number of factors have contributed to the club’s decision to dedicate additional time and resources to mental health services within the community.
The experiences of Rotary Club of Bendigo South members, either personally, or as a result of their contacts, contributed to the prioritisation of mental health projects.
“We all need some help or support from time to time,” Mr Spitty said.
“Not only as members of the community, but within our own club. Everyone finds quicksand once or twice, don’t they?”
He said the club was already quite knowledgeable about mental health.
“No doubt 12 months from today we’ll know a lot more,” Mr Spitty said.
The Rotary Club of Bendigo South’s previous involvements with organisations such as Annie North, Lifeline and headspace have also strengthened the club’s understanding of issues contributing to mental health issues.
“When you go into these programs, everyone learns something,” Mr Spitty said.
Other areas of focus in the year ahead include the ongoing campaign to end polio; further developing relationships with education providers such as secondary schools and TAFE; and supporting the Ulumbarra Foundation.
“Sometimes you’re supporting a mental health project without realising,” Mr Spitty said.
Examples included the club’s involvement with the Women of Note choir.
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Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
