CCMA October Mix & Master - Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshop

Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshop for Creatives

The creative life is fulfilling but it can also be isolating, unpredictable, and emotionally demanding. Whether you're freelancing, performing, producing, or navigating the ups and downs of making art, prioritising your mental health is essential to building a sustainable and joyful practice.

Join us for a supportive professional development workshop created specifically for the arts community. This panel will feature Jack Nigro and Erin Carmody, who bring both personal experience and professional insight into mental health in the industry. Together, they’ll share practical tools for managing stress, setting boundaries, and caring for your wellbeing both personally and professionally.

We’ll explore strategies for dealing with burnout, handling rejection, and staying grounded in an industry that often blurs the line between work and identity. You’ll also learn how to recognise when you’re struggling, where to find support, and how to build habits that protect your energy and creativity over the long term.

Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, this session is a reminder that your mental health matters and that you’re not alone.

Come as you are, bring your questions (or just listen), and connect with a community of creatives who are also learning how to take care of themselves while doing the work they love.

Meet the panelists:

Erin Carmody:

Erin is a psychologist, researcher, and music therapist. She holds a degree in psychology from USyd. She co-authored the book The Essentials of Mental Disorder and regularly publishes on the topics of personality, creativity and mental health. With over 15 years of experience in psychology, she is a sought after expert in many legal cases. In her spare time she is an avid songwriter. You'll find her at one of her favourite central coast beaches almost every morning getting inspired. Recently she has been collaborating with the talented folk at the Grove to produce "Innerverse" , her guided music therapy experience to help creatives transform their inner critic and release difficult emotions. 

Jack Nigro:

Jack Nigro has quickly become one of Australia’s most in-demand Mixing Engineers and Music Producers. Jack’s impressive portfolio continues to grow as he produces and mixes some of the country’s most exciting indi talent, including The Terry’s, Pacific Avenue, Surf Trash, Rum Jungle, DICE, Vacations and Little Quirks to name but a few. Jack also has engineering credits with some of Australia's most renowned artists including The Amity Affliction, The DMAs, Skegss and Middle Kids to name but a few.

With his extensive industry knowledge and experience, Jack has created his own unique production and mixing style whilst working with a wide range of artists and bands around the country. His intensive, collaborative approach ensures each artist he works with has their ideal vision brought to life.

Will Small:

Will Small is an award-winning poet, storyteller and social impact creator. Will is the founding director of Lead by Story, a three-time national finalist at the Australian Poetry Slam and author of "Poems for When the World is Ending."

Jon Reichardt:

Jon Reichardt is a music producer, songwriter and session player who has worked in the music industry for over 20 years. He has worked in many genres of music, including hip hop, rock, pop, metal and dance. Some of his high-profile collaborations have included ARIA-award-winning artists Bliss n Eso, Kasey Chambers, Hilltop Hoods, Illy, Hayley Mary (Jezabels) and Grammy-winning writer-producer, Sarah Aarons. His clients have had substantial commercial success: high rotation on national commercial radio in Australia, North America, Asia and Europe, multiple ARIA Award nominations, multiple APRA Award nominations, winning Grammy Awards and top ten charting singles and albums.

Discussions may include topics that are emotionally triggering, and may include discussion about depression and suicide. This panel is appropriate for mature teens and adults. If unsure, we recommend under 18 have an adult present.