The City of Greater Bendigo is partnering with the Centre for Optimism to promote a more positive mindset through a series of free online conversations with leaders in the community about what makes them optimistic.

Centre for Optimism director Victor Perton, who will lead the conversations, says a sense of optimism is essential in a time such as this.

"People are scared, they're nervous, they're angry... You can't be resilient unless you're optimistic," Mr Perton said.

"You can't get through it without believing you and your community are going to be better."

Mayor Margaret O'Rourke said the community's health and well-being was being "challenged like never before".

"We know that many people are doing it tough right now and it's not easy to feel optimistic, but I hope that when you hear from others in our community about how they remain optimistic that you too will find their responses inspiring and perhaps provide you with a renewed sense of optimism," she said.

The first of the four weekly events will be held on August 6, with Cr O'Rourke and her friend leadership expert Mary Dwyer.

Coliban Water chief executive officer Damian Wells, Bendigo Foodshare chair Cathie Steele, and Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Gerard Jose will also feature.

Members of the community are also invited to share what gives them cause for optimism, as part of the council's Voices of Optimism campaign.

Chosen videos will be shared on social media throughout August and September.

Mr Perton said most people had not stopped to think about what made them optimistic, and simply by sharing their thoughts, it could lift others up, too.

Central to being optimistic, he said, was being grateful for what one already had.

To share a video or register to watch the series, visit the City of Greater Bendigo's website.

To read what other members of the community source optimism from, visit the Centre for Optimism website.