Wayahead

Talkback Magazine Launch
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
A new intersectional magazine launching this Spring, giving a voice to those often silenced!

Step into Strength
2025-10-01 09:00 - 11:30 (Australia/Sydney) | belmont neighborhood centre, 359 pacific hwy, Belmont North, NSW, 2280, Australia
✨Join us for an engaging morning of self discovery through nature, arts and craft ✨
🌈 Step into Strength is a one-off wellbeing workshop for young people aged 10-16, held at Belmont Neighborhood Centre and its beautiful outdoor surrounds.
🌱 Facilitators and youth mentors, will guide your beautiful children through a wellbeing walk. Using nature based activities, they will discover their unique ability to nurture their own wellbeing journey.   🎨The workshop will end with an interactive art activity reflecting upon their journey. This is all topped off with a delicious and nutritious morning tea provided by the amazing ladies at Belmont Neighborhood Centre.
🫶This workshop is completely free for up to 30 youth, as it has been generously funded by Wayahead as part of their mental health month community grants.

Talkback Magazine
2025-10-03 09:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Five Dock Library, 4 -12 Garfield St, Five Dock, New South Wales, 2165, Australia
A magazine giving a voice to those often far to silenced. Free copies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander folk!

Mona Vale Support Group
2025-10-07 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Mona Vale, 6 Taronga Place, Mona Vale, NSW, 2103, Australia
You must register if you wish to attend this group. You can register by emailing supportgroups@wayahead.org.au or by phone 1300 794 992.

Join Kerry and members of the Mona Vale Support Group on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm at 6 Taronga Place, Mona Vale (above Wave Pilates Studio).
Our groups are usually comprised of a small number of people who come together to share personal experiences and information in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
All Wayahead support groups are free of charge.
IMPORTANT – This is not a treatment group. It is a place where people who are impacted by anxiety can give and receive support related to living with and managing their anxiety. It is facilitated by trained volunteers who have a diverse range of experiences but who are not qualified health professionals. As such, this group is not suitable for people with high levels of mental distress which may be associated with psychosis, severe depression or active post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We recommend that you do not attend this group if you are experiencing high levels of distress as it is unlikely that it will able to meet your needs.
For more information, or to discuss whether this group is suitable for you, please call 1300 794 992 or email supportgroups@wayahead.org.au.

Vibe & Thrive
2025-10-08 13:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney) | 10 County Lane, Lismore, NSW, 10 County Lane, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
We’re excited to invite young people aged 11–18 to Vibe & Thrive, a special event celebrating Mental Health Month, happening on Wednesday 8 October, 1pm-4pm at 10 County Lane, Lismore, NSW.
The afternoon will feature:
– Creative art activities (splat room!!)
– Music & dance workshops
– Ice-cream sundaes!

Mana Tapulaga
2025-10-08 17:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Tapulaga is our youth-focused cultural program, designed to help Pasifika teens reconnect with their identity, strengthen resilience, and build belonging. Rooted in the meaning of tupulaga (youth, the next generation), Tapulaga provides safe spaces for young people to explore who they are, learn from elders and mentors, and celebrate the values that shape our communities. Through creative workshops, cultural and mental wellness activities, and guided Talanoa, Tapulaga supports Pasifika youth to walk confidently in both their heritage and their future.

With the support of WayAhead, 20 Pasifika high school aged children impacted by carceral systems will be able to take part in activities they may not otherwise have access to. Our holiday program centres on the theme of identity, belonging, and mental wellness. By weaving cultural activities into the program, we create safe spaces to talk about wellbeing, reduce stigma, and help our children connect cultural identity with self-care practices.

Registrations are now closed but should anyone like to enquire about our December program, please contact us on admin@number8prisonproject.org.au

Mental Health Month Drag Bingo
2025-10-09 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | FunHaus Factory, 141 mann street, gosford, NSW, 2250, Australia
Come out to our community event, connect with others or just take on our special guest Drag Bingo Queen Foxxe Faux a https://funhausfactory.org.au/whats-on/funhaus-drag-bingo-oct. We will all be sitting together and stamping our numbers, get ready to make some new friends, have a few laughs and enjoy a safe space in Gosford. All ages, under 18s must be accompanied by adult
This event is supported by WayAhead for Mental Health month

World Mental Health Day 2025
2025-10-10
Raising Mental Health Voices: Showcasing Wellbeing

In partnership with the World Federation for Mental Health, Wayahead proudly presents “Raising Mental Health Voices: Showcasing Wellbeing” — a video series celebrating World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Month NSW. The series collates videos from different individuals and organisations, showcasing diverse and authentic lived experience stories from across Australia and the Pacific region. Hosted on the Wayahead YouTube channel, it highlights personal journeys, youth and carer experiences, and rich cultural perspectives – including voices from Aboriginal peoples and multicultural communities. The series covers important themes such as advocacy, trauma, domestic violence, suicide, wellbeing and community resilience.

The video series will be live, on the link below, from October 10th – World Mental Health Day.
WayAhead – Mental Health Association – YouTube

Northern Beaches Mental Health Expo
2025-10-10 08:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney) | North Narrabeen Farmers Market, North Narrabeen Reserve, Pittwater Rugby Park, 1472 Pittwater Rd, North Narrabeen, NSW, 2101, Australia
Celebrate Mental Health Month at the Northern Beaches Mental Health Expo: Taking Steps on your well-being journey.
This free event at the North Narrabeen Farmers Market will run from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Meet local mental health services & community groups and enjoy a free program of wellness activities such as:
Mindfulness
Drumming circle
Face painting
Live music
Art & craft
Games
Treasure hunt
All are welcome, so please join us to be part of a safe and supportive space where we can connect, learn and talk openly about mental health.

MindFest - Central Coast Mental Health Community Day
2025-10-10 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Saltwater Creek Park, Long Jetty 2261, Saltwater Creek Park, Long Jetty, NSW, 2261, Australia
This event brings together local services and community members to promote wellbeing, connection and this year’s theme: “Take Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey.”
A day full of engaging activities for all ages, including:
• Live music from Musicians Making A Difference
• Face painting and creative fun
• Doggie Dates pet therapy
• Free BBQ and refreshments
• Coffee van
• Mindfulness workshops to help you reset and recharge
• Information stalls from mental health and wellbeing services

Great lakes Mental Health Film Festival
2025-10-10 17:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Forster Civic Centre, 4 Wharf St, Forster, NSW, 2428, Australia
This Is My Brave Australia Inc. proudly announces the Great Lakes Mental Health Film Festival, taking place this October during Mental Health Month. This year’s festival promises to showcase powerful short and feature films that explore mental health through stories of resilience, struggle, and hope.
Unlike conventional film festivals, the Great Lakes Mental Health Film Festival centres the lived experiences of people from diverse cultures, communities, and perspectives. It brings together filmmakers, mental health advocates, and everyday Australians to celebrate creativity, challenge stigma, and spark real conversations about wellbeing.
“Our goal is to make mental health visible—through storytelling, through film, and through community connection,” said Tim Duffy, Festival Director and founder of This Is My Brave Australia Inc. “The films we screen are brave, moving, and deeply human. They remind us that no one is alone, and that sharing your story can be an act of healing.”

Katoomba Anxiety Support Group
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Katoomba Guide Hall, 17 Station Street, 2780
Wayahead’s Katoomba Anxiety Support Group is run by Paul at the Katoomba Guide Hall on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am to 1pm.
Our groups are usually comprised of a small number of people who come together to share personal experiences and information in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
All WayAhead support groups are free of charge.

Wellbeing Through Culture: CALD Community Steps to Mental Wellness
2025-10-12 10:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Hosted by the NSW Central West Muslims Association (NSWCWMA), this 3-hour interactive event blends cultural expression and emotional wellbeing to celebrate Mental Health Month 2025.
Held at the NSWCWMA Community Multipurpose Hall, the program invites CALD families to take “steps” on their wellbeing journey through:
A symbolic indoor Wellbeing Walk
Art therapy workshops and youth expression corner
Multilingual storytelling and mental health booths
A guest speaker sharing lived experiences
Culturally inspired refreshments and music
Participants will receive a “Wellbeing Passport” to track their journey through five wellness stations — Connection, Expression, Movement, Support, and Reflection.
The event aims to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and strengthen intergenerational and cultural connection through inclusive, community-led activities.

Queer Family Gardening Workshops
2025-10-12 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Paddock Project, Mullumbimby, Argyle Street, Mullumbimby, New South Wales, 2482, Australia
Come and celebrate Mental Health Month in Mullum! This year we’re running gardening workshops to connect with nature. learn new skills and meet new people.
Details:
2-5pm Sunday 12th October
Family & dog friendly
The Paddock Project, Mullumbimby
Workshops run by Koush from the Paddock Project
Workshop Schedule: (Places limited for workshops so please register for these. Workshops are $10 per person.)
2:00 – 3:15 Seed Pods workshop. A fun eco-friendly activity that involves mixing clay, compost and seeds into small balls that can be dried and scattered into neglected areas and promote native plants,
3:30 – 5:00 Natural Fibre Cordage workshop. Connect with nature while crafting something strong, flexible and beautiful. Lomandra and banana fibres will be woven into a sturdy string which can be twisted and braided into baskets, necklaces and bracelets. Bring along your favourite shells, beads, feathers and charms,
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible
Gender-neutral toilets
Parking on site or nearby streets
Dog & child friendly
Outdoor location
Some shade
Quieter areas
Snacks provided
Get in touch if price is a barrier to attending.
Thanks to WayAhead for supporting this event!

Bankstown Anxiety Support Group
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Bankstown Library, 80 Rickard Rd, Bankstown, New South Wales, 2200, Australia
The Bankstown Group will not be meeting in January 2025
You must register if you wish to attend this group. You can register by emailing supportgroups@wayahead.org.au or by phone 1300 794 992.
WayAhead’s Bankstown Anxiety Support Group is run by Jessica and Tennesy at Bankstown Library on the 13th October from 6pm to 8pm.
Our groups are usually comprised of a small number of people who come together to share personal experiences and information in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
All WayAhead support groups are free of charge.
Prospective attendees are advised to check this page in the days before the group is scheduled to take place to make sure there haven’t been any changes or cancellations. Any such deviations from the information above will be announced in orange at the top of the page.
IMPORTANT – This is not a treatment group. It is a place where people who are impacted by anxiety can give and receive support related to living with and managing their anxiety. It is facilitated by trained volunteers who have a diverse range of experiences but who are not qualified health professionals. As such, this group is not suitable for people with high levels of mental distress which may be associated with psychosis, severe depression or active post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We recommend that you do not attend this group if you are experiencing high levels of distress as it is unlikely that it will able to meet your needs.
For more information, or to discuss whether this group is suitable for you, please call 1300 794 992 or email supportgroups@wayahead.org.au.

Mental Health Month at Ward Park
2025-10-14 11:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Join us at Ward Park, Surry Hills, to celebrate Mental Health Month. Lunch will be provided by OzHarvest, pick out some new clothes at the Thread Together mobile van, and meet the local services that can support you while taking steps on your wellbeing journey.

Steps Together: A Wellbeing Lunch for Volunteers
2025-10-14 12:45 - 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | redfern community centre, 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern, NSW, 2016, Australia
“Steps Together” is a dedicated wellbeing lunch for First Nations Response volunteers, many of whom face their own challenges including trauma, social isolation, and financial stress. The event honours their contributions while providing a safe, culturally grounded space for connection, care, and reflection. The lunch will include a nourishing meal, a facilitated yarning circle led by Elders and trusted community members, and guest speakers with lived experience to encourage open conversations about mental health and self-care. Attendees will also receive wellbeing packs with practical resources and supports.

Campbelltown Anxiety Support Group
2025-10-14 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Campbelltown Uniting Church, Allman Street, Moore-Oxley Bypass, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
You must register if you wish to attend this group. You can register by emailing supportgroups@wayahead.org.au or by phone 1300 794 992.
Wayahead’s Campbelltown Anxiety Support Group is run by Claire and Raj in the Multipurpose Room of the Campbelltown Uniting Church on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Our groups are usually comprised of a small number of people who come together to share personal experiences and information in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
All Wayahead support groups are free of charge.
Prospective attendees are advised to check this page in the days before the group is scheduled to take place to make sure there haven’t been any changes or cancellations. Any such deviations from the information above will be announced in orange at the top of the page.
IMPORTANT – This is not a treatment group. It is a place where people who are impacted by anxiety can give and receive support related to living with and managing their anxiety. It is facilitated by trained volunteers who have a diverse range of experiences but who are not qualified health professionals. As such, this group is not suitable for people with high levels of mental distress which may be associated with psychosis, severe depression or active post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We recommend that you do not attend this group if you are experiencing high levels of distress as it is unlikely that it will able to meet your needs.
For more information, or to discuss whether this group is suitable for you, please call 1300 794 992 or email supportgroups@wayahead.org.au.

Aboriginal Tools Workshop and Bush Soap Making
2025-10-15 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Crookwell High School, Crown Street, Crookwell, NSW, 2583, Australia
On the 15th of October at 10am, Crookwell High’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are invited to participate in a free one hour Aboriginal Tools Workshop run by Melissa Wiya, an Arakwal woman of the Bundjalung Nation, to learn about some of the traditional tools that Aboriginal people have used for thousands of years and how they are made. Students will have the opportunity to create their own clapsticks. This workshop will facilitate a conversation within the group about the role of culture in supporting our social and emotional wellbeing.
Later in the day at 1pm, Crookwell High students will also be invited to participate in a free Bush Soap Making workshop with Anna Kemp. This activity will run for one hour. These activities are being funded through the ‘Mental Health Month – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grant’ by Wayahead. Mental Health Month is celebrated every year in October, this years theme is ‘Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey’.

BOUNCEBACK Art Exhibition - with Arts in Recovery (AIR) - Newcastle
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-26 | The Creator Incubator, 15a/50 Clyde St, Hamilton North, NSW, 2292
Arts in Recovery (AIR) are holding their 15th Bounceback Exhibition. Around 250 works by local people living with mental health will be exhibited and are for sale. Works include paintings, ceramics, mosaics, drawings, sculpture, jewellery and more. 100% of sales are returned to the artists.
Opening night: Saturday 18th October 2025 at 5pm – 7pm.
Exhibition open Thursday-Sunday – 16th-26th October 2025

Safe Haven and Carer peer support mental health month event
2025-10-16 12:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | safe haven campbelltown, 80 Woodhouse Drive, Ambarvale, NSW, 2560, Australia
Safe Haven and SWSLHD Carer Peer Support is hosting an event for Mental Health. A guest can present and travel along their “journey” in their mental health- including engaging with services they may not be aware of, engaging in activities and receiving support.

GROW UP!
2025-10-16 19:00 - 2025-10-17 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | The Drill Hall Theatre, 4 Jubilee Ave, Mullumbimby NSW 2482, Mullumbimby, NSW, 2482, Australia
Award winning Byron Youth Theatre brings you a NEW original production GROW UP! This dynamic play follows the lives of several young people as some navigate the pressures of school, while others seek alternatives by leaving the system early. It poses the question, is school for everyone? And if it’s not, what support is there for young people in our communities? Central to it all is the choices we make and the consequences that have to be faced. Funded by Rotary Byron Bay, Wayahead NSW Mental Health Association and a generous donation from a community member.

🌈 Take Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey – Queer Youth Creative Day 🌈
2025-10-17 15:00 - 18:30 (Europe/Zurich) | West Ryde Arc-hive, 2 Dickson Avenue, West Ryde, NSW, 2114, Australia
Join us for a vibrant event celebrating Mental Health Month, designed by queer youth, for queer youth and allies (17–24). Step into a safe, inclusive space filled with colour, connection, and creativity!
Explore four interactive stations：
🎨 Make badges that show your strengths
🎭 Paint masks that express your inner self
📝 Share self-care tips on our wall
🎤 Take the mic with songs, poems, or stories

Flower and Soul: Caring for Body and Mind Through Indonesian Tradition and Scent
2025-10-18 10:30 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney) | CASS Ryde Community Centre, 3/3-5 Anthony Rd, West Ryde, New South Wales, 2114, Australia
A mental health awareness workshop designed for the Indonesian community in NSW. This event will combine culturally relevant education with interactive, sensory-based activities to encourage open conversations around mental health. We bring together Indonesian traditions, relaxation, and ways to care for your mental health in a warm and enjoyable discussion.
What will you get:
*Inspiring session with professional Indonesian-speaking experts
*Inspiring discussion
*Aromatherapy workshop

Colourful Minds Market
2025-10-18 10:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Castle Hill RSL, 77 Castle St, Castle Hill, Nsw, 2154
Visit Colourful Minds Market
Discover one-of-a-kind handmade art, meet talented local artists, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere full of creativity and community.
Inspired by the theme ‘Taking Steps on My Well-Being Journey,’ we’ve got activities created by an art therapist, plus a zine station where you can make something to take home. It’s a fun way to gather some helpful tools and connect with others on a similar path
🗓️ Upcoming Market Dates
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10:30AM – 4:30 PM
LGBTAI friendly . Inclusive and Accessible, Family-friendly. All are welcome!
📍 Location & Directions
We’re located in the Luxe and Lyceum rooms at Castle hill RSL, with plenty of parking nearby and easy access via public transportation.
🧭 What to Expect
* 70+ local artists & makers
* Unique, handmade works by emerging and established artists
* A safe, affirming space prioritizing accessibility and inclusion
* Community building activities
* Quiet areas and sensory-friendly spaces
* Free craft-zone to chill or meet others
🌈 A Welcoming, Inclusive Space
We proudly support:
* Disabled and chronically ill artists
* Neurodivergent creatives
* Artists with mental health conditions
* Queer and BIPOC artists
This is more than a market—it’s a day of community shopping and supporting out of the box creators.

Men's Pilates Session @KX Pilates Macquarie Park
2025-10-18 13:30 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) | KX Pilates Macquarie Park, 3/78 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113, Australia
To mark Mental Health Month, SHER Foundation is partnering with KX Pilates Macquarie Park to deliver a free Pilates session exclusively for men aged 18+.
This event highlights the importance of movement as a pathway to stronger mental health, providing men with a safe space to build strength, improve flexibility, and connect with others without stigma.
Proudly sponsored by WayAhead, the session is part of SHER’s mission to create accessible, culturally safe spaces where men prioritise both body and mind.
Our January Men’s Pilates event was a full house, so spots are limited — secure your place early.

Time to recalibrate your wellbeing
2025-10-21 08:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney) | The Intercontinental Hotel, 16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Sharespace 2025 Annual Conference
In our fast paced world it can be hard to juggle all of the demands. Everything feels as though it is controlled by time. Whilst we can’t control what is going on around us, we can control how we perceive it and how we respond. This day is all about wellbeing, yours and others. Putting focus on the lens to see if you need to change the way you do or think of something. Is a fine tune required, an adjustment of expectations, or are we pressing reset?
Conference Details

8am – 4pm
Tuesday, 21st October, 2025
The Intercontinental Hotel

Purpose:The Wayahead Sharespace Annual Conference brings together professionals from diverse sectors and backgrounds to discuss workplace wellbeing and mental health. We know how important it is to support you by providing an engaging and inclusive space to discover the latest research and innovative strategies. This is the first Sharespace conference for you to connect with thought leaders, service providers, industry experts and colleagues during a full day event. Ultimately, we want you to experience a day of professional learning like no other.
Why attend?World-class keynote speakers and thought leaders:
Dr Sheila NguyenHarnessing awareness and mindset to optimize performance
Chibs OkerekeHow to beat stress and burnout with science-backed tools
Hiam SakakiniCulture and AI: how to integrate it practically without disrupting cultureLucas Finch – Global Director of Wellbeing at XeroOrganisational Wellbeing StrategiesJames Wallace – Safety, Capability, and Resilience Manager, Sydney Water& Ian Firth – Psychosocial Risk Leader, SafeWork NSWInsights into Best Practice Strategies for Psychosocial Risk ManagementThe Conference also includes:– Connection with your peers, service providers, mental health professionals and researchers in an engaging space– Be treated to a 5-star catering package including morning tea and lunch in the Conservatory Restaurant, barista coffee on arrival.

Agenda:

8am – 8.30am Registration and networking
8.30am – Event commences
4:00pm – Event close

Download our conference flyerBook your tickets

Meet your Neighbour Inner West 2025
2025-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Ashfield Town Hall, 260 Liverpool Road, Sydney, NSW, 2131, Australia
Join a special Meet your Neighbour event marking 10 years of the Mental Health Peer Work qualification in the Inner West of Sydney.
Connect with others working to support people with lived experience of mental health in Sydney.
This year’s event during Mental Health Month marks MHCC’s 10 years of delivering the CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work – a qualification created for peer workers, by peer workers that has strengthened mental health services, and amplified the voice of lived experience across NSW and Australia.
Be the first to see the launch of a feature video highlighting Max Simensen’s journey into peer work – a former student and now trainer, whose own lived experience and professional journey reflect the transformative power of peer work.
Engage in a panel discussion exploring the growth and future of the peer workforce, featuring lived experience leaders and sector experts.

Stories of Strengths: Mental Health and Community in Diversity
2025-10-21 10:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre, 65 Woodcroft Drive, Woodcroft, NSW, 2767, Australia
Stories of Strengths: Mental Health and Community in Diversity”
The event will be a community-led mental health initiative designed to foster open dialogue, reduce stigma, and promote emotional wellbeing among women from CALD backgrounds in Blcaktown LGA.
The event will centre around storytelling and creative expression, inviting women from CALD backgrounds to share personal journeys of resilience, healing, and mental health experiences in a culturally inclusive space. Through a combination of storytelling circles, creative arts workshop, and a community wellness showcase, the event will aim to promote culturally safe conversations about mental health and highlight the importance of community support.
Objectives:
*Reduce stigma around mental health in CALD communities
*Create culturally safe platforms for shared healing and dialogue
*Promote awareness of local and culturally responsive mental health services
*Empower participants through storytelling and creative expression
* Strengthen community connections and collective resilience
