A group of young locals wanting to give back to their communities on the Central Highlands who recently formed The Comet River Social Association successfully staged the Bare All Ball on the weekend.
The group was looking for causes it could work towards and it became apparent to them that suicide and mental illness in the district was prevalent.
With the backing of a very encouraging and supportive community The Comet 'Bare All' Charity Ball was born, and the committee is particularly proud that funds raised will be of direct benefit to locals for a number of mental health initiatives.
With 200mm of much-needed rain falling in the small township in the two weeks leading up to the inaugural ball, and with heavy showers persisting, a wet weather plan was put into action and guests went from being seated under the stars to inside the Comet Showgrounds shed and a marquee.
As a result, Rural Minds-facilitated workshops will be held at Comet, Springsure and Capella and a Safe Talks workshop for senior students at Marist College, Emerald.
Marist College is also running a parent information night while Rural Minds is in the district.
CRSA will also be able to fund two additional workshops, one at Alpha and a parent night at Emerald Christian College.
A spokeswoman said that in addition to the workshops, the group was thrilled to have Ken O'Dowd MP announce that funding had been secured and Headspace will be established in Emerald for the Central Highlands.
Guest speakers, Dan and Ed from Trademutt helped the committee to get the conversation started around mental health by entertaining the guests with their light-hearted approach.
