About 2,300 school students and over 200 teachers flocked to the Dubbo Showgrounds today for the second leg of the inaugural Stand Tall Regional Tour, supported by the NSW Nationals in the state government.
Tailored for high school students, the event brings together inspirational speakers like Olympic high jump silver medallist Nicola Olysagers, The Voice 2021 winner Bella Taylor-Smith, professional freestyle motocross riders Lance Russell and Ryley Davis and keynote speaker Michael Crossland.
Nationals Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said it was great to see such a huge turnout after what has been a really challenging few years for young people.
“Our region’s youth are facing a very different world to the one we grew up in and it’s important that we do everything we can to support their mental health as they make their way through school,” Mr Saunders said.
“Events like this are so important as they equip our students with resilience, strength and decision-making skills, with a key focus on mental health and wellbeing.”
The NSW Government has proudly subsidised the event, with students attending for just $1, and teachers attending free of charge.
Nationals Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the event provided young people in the region with an opportunity to improve their mental health and learn skills to become more resilient.
“October was Mental Health Month and the theme this year was ‘tune in’. I want to remind everyone to tune in with your friends, family and school mates – and if you are not feeling great, talk to your school nurse, your teachers or your parents,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Events like the Stand Tall Regional Tour are so important as they remind our young people that it’s okay to not be okay.
“It is also so wonderful that after the challenges of the past few years, Stand Tall has brought everyone together and reminded us that we’re not alone.”
