Lifting the Lid on mental health

A campaign aiming to "Lift the Lid" on mental health is being launched in a co-operative effort by Drouin and Warragul Rotary Clubs.

A wine auction and community walk will be the two major events aimed at raising funds and awareness.

"Lift the Lid on Mental Illness" is an annual fundraising initiative led by Australian Rotary Health will see a number of local events staged in an effort to raise awareness about mental health in the community.

A wine auction will be the first fundraising event to be held on Thursday, October 8 at Black Tie Restaurant, Warragul. The event will feature world recognised wine judge and author Jeni Fort who has personally selected wines to be auctioned and will co-host the night, explaining why she chose the wines on offer.

Monacellars also will be holding wine tastings of a selection of Gippsland Wines and offering a discount on purchases. Funds raised will go to the Australian Rotary Health Fund for research into mental health and Gippsland Lifeline. Tickets for the wine auction can be pur chased by registering via the QR code.

Throughout October, Drouin Rotarians with Lifeline Gippsland volunteers will be at the Kiosk in Drouin to provide support information and raise awareness to community members about mental health. They will be at the Kiosk on October 7, 14 and 21 and also will attend the Drouin Rotary Community Market in Civic Park, Drouin on Saturday, October 17.

A Two Towns Trail walk will be held on Sunday, October 25 at 11am. Participants can start the walk at either Drouin or Warragul. Community members can seek sponsorship to raise funds or support the walk as an unsponsored participant.

There will be a free sausage sizzle and prizes for best hat and best dressed hat.

Australian Rotary Health provides funding towards research grants, fellowships and PhD scholarships focused on finding preventative and curative solutions for mental illness in young Australians.

Since the year 2000, Australian Rotary Health has focused its funding on mental health research and from 2023 funded research into the mental health of children aged 0-12.