Beat ‘N’ The Blues raised the roof

WINTER weather didn’t dampen spirits when nearly two hundred people got together to beat the blues and raises funds for Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network.

A night of dinner, music, dancing, auctioning and heaps of fun, all in the name of a good cause, was held at the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club on Saturday.

This is the fourth year the Network has run this major fundraiser event said Des Hudson, Chair of Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network.

“Whilst we understand the overall theme can be a bit gloomy, tonight is about having fun and supporting the Network,” he said.

“The money will be used to deliver our action plan of underwriting educating and training delivered by Lifeline Ballarat to a minimum of 100 people per year across the community.”

Auctioneer Matt Stevens’ panache kept the bidding moving with 15 major auction prizes and 27 silent auction items going under the hammer.

Lindy Packer, Secretary of Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network, said the local business community had generously backed the event donating a vast array of items for the live and the silent auctions.

Businesswoman Renay Dwyer said Ms Packer works tirelessly organising the annual event.

“As a business owner I want to do my part so I always attend, it is important to spread the word about the Networks’ training program,” she said.

Anabelle Smith, an Olympic Diver and Lifeline Community Custodian shared her personal experiences as an elite athlete, understanding how mental health could impact on her sport and on her life.

“I don’t even bat an eyelid when I feel like I’m struggling now, because I know that there’s help for me, there’s help for everyone,” she said.

Wadawurrung woman, Bonnie Chew and her husband Andy said they came to the event because they had been touched personally by someone taking their own life.

Ms Chew runs a cultural consulting business which offers a mental health first aid program to help educate the community about the importance of mental health and removing the stigma around seeking assistance.

“I was pleased to be asked to conduct the Welcome to Country here tonight as the Network does great work and is an important organisation to support,” she said.

Fat And The Heads kept the patrons grooving on the dance floor, rocking out hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s well into the night.