Mindful Conversations: Navigating Mental Health in Life and Work

In recognition of Mental Health Week, let’s normalise having conversations about mental health. Join our panel of experts from the Thompson Institute and the Mateship Movement for breakfast as we explore the neurological science behind mental health as well as the challenges facing youth, men and in the workplace. 

This will be the final event in our 2024 business breakfast series, Engage and Elevate, on Wednesday 16 October from 7.00am to 9.00am at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club.

This series is open to the entire Sunshine Coast and Noosa community.

We are excited to announce the following guest speakers.

Tex, a 17-year-old Year 12 St Andrew’s Anglican College student is on a mission to help break the stigma around men’s mental health. Inspired by the terrifying statistics around men's mental health revealing a troubling state of play for young men in our schools and our community, Tex will kick off the conversation with a powerful and heartfelt presentation on men's mental health.

Dr Michelle Kennedy from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thompson Institute and National PTSD Centre, is an experienced educator and researcher with over 30 years of teaching experience, and specialises in students with mental health issues that impact student learning. Dr Kennedy's research focuses on youth mental health, neuroscience-based strategies, mental health literacy for educators and how anxiety and attention issues and attachment/trauma issues negatively influence student behaviour. Her combined teaching and research experience in youth mental health offers a depth of knowledge rarely seen in the youth mental health space. 

Dr Kennedy will explore the growing concerns surrounding youth mental health and why these issues matter to both students and their parents or caregivers. We’ll examine the seriousness of these concerns, investigate potential differences in symptom presentation based on sex and gender, and delve into the neurobiology underpinning mental health issues and provide strategies to support adolescents.

Beyond Words: Inspiring Mateship, Connection & Belonging with Sam Parker, founder of The Mateship Movement, Grab Life by the Balls.

Sam Parker is the founder of Grab Life by the Balls, a grassroots movement that champions men’s health through mateship. As a father, mate, and health practitioner, Sam recognized the growing crisis in men’s mental health and male suicide, and decided to take action. Founded on the Sunshine Coast, he built a proactive network of informal support groups across Australia, offering blokes a laid-back space to connect and chew the fat.

Through Grab Life, Sam has spent the past eight years delivering down-to-earth workshops to industries like construction, mining, and retail. His style is relaxed and relatable, making conversations about health and well-being accessible for all.

In 2024, Grab Life launched Grab Life by the BBQ, their inaugural fundraiser that went nationwide, encouraging mateship and making a real impact in communities across Australia.

Sam is passionate about making a real impact, inspiring people to live healthier, happier lives on their own terms. Whether it’s through talks, podcasts, or BBQs, Sam is dedicated to fostering positive change for men and the wider community.

Workplace Mental Health with Catriona Starr, St Andrew's Anglican College's Head of People and Culture.
Catriona Starr is the Head of People and Culture at St Andrew's Anglican College, where she leads the strategic development of human resources, workplace culture, and staff well-being initiatives. Prior to joining St Andrew's, Catriona held a key HR leadership position at Haileybury, where she gained significant experience in managing talent, staff engagement, and HR operations in the education sector. Her career spans multiple sectors, including corporate and non-profit organisations, where she developed expertise in organisational development, change management, and compliance.

Catriona's diverse experience equips her with a well-rounded approach to fostering positive workplace environments, ensuring the alignment of HR practices with institutional goals while supporting the professional growth and well-being of all employees. She is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams that contribute to long-term organisational success.

Catriona will be covering key topics such as fostering a supportive workplace culture, addressing generational differences in mental health needs, and tackling burnout. Learn how leadership, communication, and data-driven initiatives can enhance employee well-being, and discover the role of People and Culture in shaping mental health programs that attract and retain top talent.

Ticket Price: $45+ GST per adult or $360+ GST for a table of 8. $35+ GST for students (Secondary). Ticket price includes breakfast, tea and coffee.

About St Andrew's Institute of Learning (SAIL)

Hosted by the St Andrew's Institute of Learning (SAIL), our Engage and Elevate series supports our commitment to providing professionals and students with the chance to gain profound insights from the life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of accomplished leaders across diverse industries. 

Formed in 2016, the St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL) is a research and innovation hub embedded within St Andrew's Anglican College. SAIL aims to foster a culture of courageous collaboration where ideas, expertise and resources are shared. This includes partnerships with other colleges and schools, universities, industry professionals, start-ups and other innovation units from around the globe. 

Ticket sales close Sunday 13 October 2024. No refunds after this day.