Festival thrills on the Surf Coast

THE 2025 Art of the Minds Festival has gone down as a resounding success, with hundreds of people indulging in community connection and wellbeing.

More than ten events were held across the Surf Coast region last week to celebrate National Mental Health Week.

The Big Boys Breakfast, held outside Bunnings in Torquay, was one of this year’s main attractions.

Motivational speakers shared stories on mental health, recovery and connection, alongside community stalls and live entertainment from 2024 Surf Coast Song Contest winner Lachy Hurrell.

Aaron Blake, Jules Haddock, Loretta Hart and Poppy Bottrell. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

Catherine Rowe, Ross Yapp, Joan Keane and Brian Keane. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

The same day, Ocean Mind held a World Mental Health Day paddle out at Cosy Corner.

The event, which was attended by more than 20 people featured fun social games, a group surf session and a talking circle.

Ocean Mind marketing manager Jack Balakas said it was important to celebrate the occasion in a wholesome way.

“It was great to have a morning of connecting with ourselves, nature, other people and doing some activities and having a good time.

“You can be doing everything in life — sleeping, eating and exercising, but if you’re not connecting to other people your mental wellbeing can only go so far.

“For us, it was just about getting around World Mental Health Day and making sure we acknowledge the things around us and how they can benefit us.”

Ocean Mind held a community paddle out in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. Photo: NATHAN RIVALLAND

Other community events included the Surf Coast Song Contest, laughing yoga, an art exhibition, an open mic poetry night, positive ageing tea dancing and several other mental health and resiliency workshops.

Art of the Minds president Sarah Molnar said the festival far exceeded expectations.

Art of the Minds president Sarah Molnar. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

Participants at the Resilient Heart workshop. Photo: SUPPLIED

“We are thrilled with how the festival was received and supported by the Surf Coast community this year.

“A highlight for us was seeing people engage with us for the first time and then pop up at multiple events all week.

“We had 20 Surf Coast residents graduate as metal health first aiders, over 35 artists in our art show, we crowned the winner at the sing contest and our new Big Boys Brekky format worked very well, with some very special moments.”

For more information on Art of the Minds, head to artoftheminds.org.au