Dance floor to open doors for the most important conversations

ONE conversation can start a movement, and that is exactly why the Shaka Project is inviting the Surf Coast to their 2026 ball.

The charity is igniting conversations to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and suicide to create better outcomes for all members of the community.

The annual ball has become a highlight over the past five years and after opening offices in Torquay last year, it only made sense to keep the event local.

“It is a night to raise awareness, and it’s a night to ignite the conversation,” founder Sean Weir said.

“It’s a night to bring the community together to have some really important conversations and ignite some important conversations.

“Enjoy a dance, enjoy some live music, but at the same time have some really serious conversations about what we can all do in the community and our role when it comes to suicide prevention, when it comes to igniting the conversation around mental health.”

Weir said individuals do play a significant part in opening conversations about mental health.

By creating safe spaces for people to talk and positive environments, the project is helping change the conversation about mental health.

This will be the fifth ball the organisation has run, each in a different location.

With the event in Brisbane last year, Weir said he was keen to see the ball return home to Victoria.

After seeing the impact of poor mental health and suicide in the region, hosting the event on the Surf Coast felt right.

“We’ve seen the impact that, unfortunately, mental health and suicide has had on the Surf Coast over the last couple of years, and that’s had an everlasting impact,” Weir said.

“It’s not just something that comes around and goes around, it’s something that has an everlasting impact on that on a community and all communities around the Surf Coast area, too.

“To be able to bring people in and, and show them that there’s support services available around here and just remind people how important it is for all of us to continue to ignite the conversation.”

Since the Shaka Project began in 2019, more than 600 education sessions have been delivered in schools, workplaces and communities across Australia.

The Shaka Project mental health awareness gala ball will take place at RACV Resort Torquay on 18 April.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, head to beyondblue.org.au or phone their 24/7 hotline on 1300 224 636. You can also head to lifeline.org.au or phone them on 13 11 14. Help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by phoning 1800 551 800.