Creative hub to host live music fundraiser for headspace Geelong

THE team behind a Geelong-based creative hub will host an evening of live music tonight to raise awareness and funds for local mental health services.

Set for this Saturday, Parallax’s “A Gig with a Cause” will feature a lineup of local talent, a raffle and sausage sizzle.

The photography studio and event space, which opened in October, will donate all the money raised from the sale of both event and raffle tickets to headspace Geelong to support the organisation’s mental health services in the community.

With a focus on early intervention, headspace Geelong works primarily with young people aged 12-25 who are experiencing a tough time.

Parallax owner Lauren Whiteley said the cause was particularly close to home for herself and her crew.

“Mental health is something that we’re really passionate about in our team,” she said.

“We’ve lost a few friends over the past year, so we really want to push that awareness out there and just bring the community together.

“It happens a lot more often than you realise, especially in this community.

“We’re just trying to shed a little bit of light and get people in the space to start that conversation – just somewhere you’re having fun and you’re listening to music.

She hopes Parallax, as well as the live music event, can help to make a difference within the community.

“We’re just really passionate about getting that community feel in the space,” Whiteley said.

“We want to make our space inclusive and somewhere that these people, maybe feeling that struggle, can come and meet other creatives and likeminded people, and just be around people that want to support them.

“We really just welcome everyone in, and we just really want people to support each other and create a community out of our space.”

Local businesses have donated a variety of items to the event’s raffle, and the bill several Geelong natives, including singer-songerwriter Hassall, folkstress Etta Lane and indie artist Stefan West.

“They’re all very passionate about the mental health cause as well, so they were all really keen to get onboard and give back,” Whiteley said.

While cold drinks will be available on the evening, to further support the mental health cause and ensure the event is for people of all ages, Parallax will be enforcing a no alcohol or drug policy.

Whiteley encouraged everyone to come along and attend the performance.

“It’s a really important cause to get around. We’ve got a great space to offer, and we just want people to be involved and have a good time.”

“A Gig with a Cause” will take place tonight (March 23), with door opening at 5.30pm.

Parallax is at 46 Douro Street, North Geelong.

Tickets are available at the door or via linktr.ee/parallaxgeelong