Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson was on hand at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre to launch the inaugural Stand Tall Regional Tour.
3,960 students and 264 teachers attended the event to hear from speakers like Olympic medallist Nicola Olyslagers, The Voice winner, Bella Taylor-Smith, blind big wave surfer Derek Rabelo, and keynote speaker Michael Crossland.
Mr Anderson said it was great to see so many students at the TRECC after a particularly difficult few years for the mental health of our young people.
“Walking into today’s Stand Tall event, you could really feel the energy and positivity coming from our region’s students,” Mr Anderson said.
“Stand Tall has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to hear from inspiration speakers who spread messages of hope, resilience, strength, and decision making.
“I’m thrilled that our students have been provided this opportunity and I know they all went away having learnt some great lessons.”
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 is Mental Health Month and the theme this year is ‘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 teacher or your parents,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Events like the Stand Tall Regional Tour are so important as they remind our young people that it is 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.”
The NSW Nationals in the state government proudly subsidised the event, with students attending for just $1, and teachers attending free of charge. The government also provided transport to and from the event through the Transport Access Regional Partners (TARP) program.
