Chris Crewther (Dunkley, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, Monday 10 October, is World Mental Health Day, a day where Mental Health Australia encourage all Australians to make a personal promise to improve their own health. I would also like to add my encouragement to all Australians, particularly the residents of Dunkley, to remember to focus on their personal health, which can improve their mental health over time.

Last Thursday, as part of Mental Health Week, I had the privilege of being involved in the Mentis Assist 2016 Mental Health Week peninsula art exhibition at the Frankston Arts Centre. Mentis Assist is one of the vital community-managed mental healthcare service providers working in my electorate to provide specialised mental health support for people aged 16-plus living in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Their art exhibitions showcased an incredible array of work by artists who have lived, experienced or been affected by mental illness.

During my recent campaign, I was glad to provide extra assistance for Mentis Assist to provide their important services, as well as to provide funding support through the local PHN for headspace to be a lead site in the area. There was incredible art work on display and it demonstrated the work of so many residents who have encountered mental illness. I was very happy to award the people's choice award to Andrea Kilburn, who was joined by so many wonderful artist entries. I ask everyone here today to recognise and support World Mental Health Day.