People in Lismore and the Northern Rivers needing mental health support will have the opportunity to connect with local mental health services at this year’s Lismore Wellbeing Day this Thursday, 30 October 2025.

The free event coincides with National Mental Health Month. This year’s theme, ‘Taking steps on your wellbeing journey’, celebrates the positive actions we take, big or small, towards improving our mental health and overall wellbeing. 

Activities will include a Welcome to Country, speakers with lived experience of mental health challenges, yoga, basket weaving, an odd sock competition, art exhibition, food stalls and drinks, as well as a range of stands representing local mental health organisations.

The event will feature a special keynote address by Fay Jackson, a recognised leader in mental health advocacy and peer work in Australia.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the upcoming Lismore Wellbeing Day at The Quad was an opportunity for people to connect or reconnect with local mental health services.

“It’s a day where people with a lived experience of mental health challenges can share their personal journeys and insights in a safe setting and to also enjoy some fun activities,” Ms Saffin said.

“I commend the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) and our network of mental health practitioners and advocates for encouraging people to take positive steps towards wellness and happiness.”

NNSWLHD Director of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Dee Robinson said the event provides an opportunity for people living with mental health challenges to come together.

“Every step we take towards our wellbeing counts. We know how important it is for people experiencing mental illness to connect with others in a supportive environment,” Ms Robinson said.

“Knowing you are not alone in your mental health journey and others are out there going through or having been through similar experiences, really helps.

“Wellbeing Day provides a great opportunity to find out about local service providers supporting people living with mental illness in our community. It’s also a great chance to get out and have some fun while connecting with others in a safe space, with plenty of activities to enjoy.” 

Open Minds General Manager for Integrated Mental Health NSW, Rik Barker, is looking forward to taking part in the event to support the Northern Rivers community.

"Wellbeing Day celebrates community and our resilience and connection with each other. Led by peer workers, it honours lived experience and opens access to support from community and breaking down isolation through inclusion and collaboration,” Mr Barker said. 

"At Open Minds, we’re committed to removing barriers so that people from all backgrounds in Lismore can access high-quality mental health services. Together with our partner services, we’re building a thriving, inclusive community." 

Open Minds, who manage Lismore Medicare Mental Health Centre and other mental health programs in the community, is the lead sponsor for the event. Other sponsors include Northern NSW Local Health District Community Mental Health, Healthy North Coast, Momentum Collective, Mission Australia, Family Support Network, Grow, Northern Rivers Community Gateway, Wellways, ACON, The Buttery, HART services, Northern Rivers Financial Counselling, Rekindling the Spirit, Safe Haven, Southern Cross University, Women Up North, and Women’s Health Northern Rivers. 

At all times, if you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). 

If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.

For free health advice anytime, day or night, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Need support in your language? You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect. 

Support is also available via: 

• Lifeline (24/7) support 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue (24/7) for mental health advice and support 1300 22 46 36
• Kids helpline (24/7) support for children or young adults 1800 55 1800
• Suicide Call Back Service support 1300 659 467 
• 13YARN (24/7) support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 13 92 76
• Transcultural Mental Health Line call: 1800 648 911

More information on mental health services and support can be found on the NNSWLHD website: https://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services/mental-health-services.

Wellbeing Day will be held this Thursday (30 October), from 11am to 3pm at The Quad, 110 Magellan Street, Lismore.