Festival inspires community connection and wellbeing

THE 2024 Art of the Minds Festival has gone down as a massive success, with hundreds of people coming together to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing.

The annual event was held during National Mental Health Week (October 6-13) and featured more than 20 music, arts, education and creative community activations.

Ocean Mind held a paddle out on World Mental Health Day. Photos: SUPPLIED

The festivities began with community members teeing off at the Torquay Golf Club on the Sunday, while others attended the Contemplation art exhibition at AAH Art and Healing.

Lower case poetry was a hit in Torquay’s industrial estate. Photo: SUPPLIED

The Surf Coast Song Contest followed as a huge highlight on the Tuesday evening, with Jan Juc singer-songwriter Lachy Hurrell emerging victorious.

Former AFL player and Love Me Love You Foundation chief executive officer Lance Picioane inspired many by speaking about his mental health and addiction struggles at the Big Boys Breakfast on Wednesday morning.

The Man Walk was well attended on the last Sunday morning of the schedule. Photo: SUPPLIED

Ocean Mind held an event for World Mental Health Day on Thursday last week, while Laughing Yoga, Paint and Sip events, the Man Walk, and other wellbeing workshops sessions kept the good times flowing throughout the backend of the schedule.

A Jungle Booty dress up ball had people getting in the groove. Photo: SUPPLIED

Art of the Minds president Jules Haddock lauded the community for their support of the festival’s events.

“It’s once again been a fabulous year really centred on destigmatising mental illness, but in particular sharing stories of lived experience and hope in recovery and growth.

Art of the Minds president Jules Haddock at a live open music night. Photo: SUPPLIED

“I’d like to thank Geelong Community Foundation, Torquay Lions, Ashbury Community Funds, Surf Coast Events, Surf Coast Signage and all the wonderful facilitators.

“The amazing committee and Sarah Molnar have also helped make it such an amazing celebration of National Mental Health Week.”

Mrs Haddock will now be handling over the presidency role to Sarah Molnar for next year and beyond.

“I do hope the community and services and grant funders can honour her the way you’ve honoured my vision,” Mrs Haddock added.

“It all couldn’t happen without the community getting together.