Emma McBride (Dobell, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was pleased to join the official launch of This Is My Brave Australia, Central Coast, in Tuggerah. This Is My Brave is relatively new to Australia and has achieved success in the United States since it was kick-started in 2016. It aims to bring stories of mental health challenges out of the shadows and into the spotlight. This Is My Brave helps to break down stigma and stereotypes surrounding mental health challenges through storytelling, poetry, song, dance and creative expression, live on stage.

This Is My Brave Australia, Central Coast, will be a three-month journey, culminating in a live show during Mental Health Awareness Month in October. The journey started with the launch in June, and I want to particularly thank Greg Smith, founder of Men Care Too, for bringing TIMBA to the coast, with the support of the Iris Foundation, the Elderslee Foundation, and Behind the Seen, along with Ability Links and This is My Brave Australia.

The next stage of the project was a storytelling workshop held last Saturday in the Tuggerah Library, where people interested in sharing their story, people from a wide range of backgrounds and with their own unique journeys, joined together for an introduction to framing their stories in three to five minutes. Auditions will be held on 26 and 27 July, and then 12 to 14 storytellers will be chosen as the cast of the inaugural Central Coast show.

I am delighted to show my support for the launch of This Is My Brave Australia, Central Coast. I commend Greg Smith on bringing TIMBA to the coast, and I look forward to the live show during Mental Health Awareness Month in October.