At some point, in all our lives, there is sudden and unexpected death. Family, friends, at the workplace, friends of friends – the list goes on how quickly traumatic death and grief can touch each of us. The scale of the bereavement that it evidently follows can range from minor to immeasurable, as grief does not differentiate how it affects those connected to it.
Sadly, there are limited government services that cater specifically for bereavement. Yes, there are many mental health services available, but grief isn’t a mental illness. If left unaddressed, grief can certainly lead to poor mental health outcomes (eg depression, isolation, extreme sadness – even suicide) but in terms of receiving financial support, bereavement falls through the funding gaps, not at all being funded by any one government portfolio.
“Deakin University offers the world’s first campus-based Forest Therapy experience. As a clinical psychologist and academic, I have been interested in how complementary and alternative approaches can work alongside psychological treatments to improve their benefits for people suffering mental ill-health.” Melissa O’Shea, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, living and working on Wadawurrung Country. Project Lead
“In particular, I have an interest in mind-body approaches, including yoga. In 2018 I completed a 500 hour yoga teacher training course, which inspired me personally and professionally to explore the mental health benefits of yoga and other mindfulness -based approaches.
“Importantly, we know that there are many benefits of cultivating mindfulness for mental health and overall well-being. Mindfulness refers to the ability to be fully present in the current moment and to apply a compassionate disposition to whatever is arising in the now.
“This is a skill to be cultivated as there are so many distractions for the mind! Even our own thoughts can take us away from engaging in the present moment – such as ruminating about what might have happened in the past or worrying about the future.
“This work serendipitously led me to connect with Forest Therapy, which is a nature-based mindfulness approach and like yoga, may be particularly supportive for cultivating a more mindful disposition. Forest Therapy emerged from Japan, where it is known as shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing). The practice encourages people to walk slowly and with intention in wild natural spaces including forests and to take in nature with all the senses. The practice includes a range of nature-based interventions such as mindfulness and gentle movement.
“Like yoga, Forest Therapy is a practice that has a number of physical and psychological benefits. Also, research has shown that movement- and nature-based mindfulness practices may be more accessible to people than other forms of mindfulness, such as seated meditations.
“I have been very fortunate to have been able to support the introduction of Forest Therapy to Deakin University, where we hope students and staff will begin to appreciate the benefits of this restorative practice. Via Deakin’s partnership with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance and through the combined efforts of our Sustainability and Campus grounds team, the first INFTA certified trail on a university campus in the world has been delivered! Located at the Waurn Ponds campus and taking advantage of it’s stunning wetlands development and other natural resources, the trail offers the opportunity for guided and self-guided Forest therapy activities.
“Along with the health benefits that Forest Therapy offers to students and staff on campus, the project is an important one for Deakin’s commitments to Sustainability. Not only does the development of the trail, nurture and preserve a natural space on campus, we know that when people engage in pleasurable activities in nature, they become more connected to nature. What we connect with, we care for – and thus supporting environmental action and conservation.
“I am extremely proud to be part of this project and look forward to students and staff having the opportunity to engage with the beautiful practice of Forest Therapy in their own backyard.” Contact deakinft@deakin.edu.au
Melissa O’Shea, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, living and working on Wadawurrung Country. Project Lead.
Photos: Susan V. Joachim, President International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) Melbourne
“Mark my words, I will be the next King of Pop.” When you know local Geelong singer/songwriter Chris Stefano, you know these words come from a place of love, non-judgement and compassion. I met Chris because his positive energy is infectious, he shines bright like a diamond. I was like a moth to a flame.
From the tender age of 4, Chris wanted to be a singer/songwriter. When his kinder teacher could see his absolute passion for the dress-up box and performing, she suggested Performance School, which suited him well.
Due to experiencing almost every type of trauma over the course of his life, Chris is also a Mental Health Advocate who desperately wants everyone one to love themselves for who they are. He feels there is too much emphasis on looks and social media perfectness. He’d love it if people could be themselves freely, take ownership of their own mental health without stigma and learn to regulate their own emotions.
Chris’s parents divorced when he was 8 and at 15 when he came out as gay, which wasn’t initially received well by his father. At 19 years of age, he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 1. He self diagnoses himself with ADHD + Autism also. He studied a Bachelor of Arts Degree and switched to a Psychology Degree attaining HDs but wasn’t happy. He would have rathered study Music Production in Melbourne. Chris feels his first Bipolar relapse was due to not doing what he loves most – making music.
“So many famous stars are bipolar, it’s a gift that they harness. I can write a song in 10 minutes. Arts and Spirituality are the two most important things for me in the world. They help me harness my Mental Health challenges. I believe my trauma led me to my creativity and I can perform at the drop of a hat.”
Chris grew up in Geelong and at 25, spent an exciting 18 months in London, then after 8 years in Melbourne, he’s returned home to his beloved Geelong. During covid he focused on his creativity and keeping fit, a very important aspect of his life.
During his recent relapse this year, his Psych told him not to think of it as a relapse, but rather, as an opportunity for growth. Chris recommends his favourite artist, Britney Spears’s book “The Woman in Me” because it is a brilliant recount on how to overcome trauma. “Britney is my favourite artist of all time. She is the ultimate performer + she has overcome so much. She is my number one inspiration. I’d love to collaborate with her someday.”
Chris wishes there was more discussion on Mental Health, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse. He’s worked with organisations such as Headspace, who are doing a brilliant job.
Jack Arentz is his producer, who recides at Joy Luck Studio in Thornbury, Melbourne. Jack creates the instrumental alongside Chris. Chris writes the lyrics + they come up with the melody for the song together. They are excited to have an album which will be launched later this year. The fabulous launch party is booked at one of his favourite local venues, The Piano Bar, for 7pm September 18th, so get in quick to be part of the fun!
Chris’s favourite book as a child was the Children’s Bible. He practises gratitude + prays to God daily. This routine keeps him grounded, well + grateful. He believes we are all God’s children and we should practise empathy, compassion and understanding. He feels incredibly lucky, and at the time of our catchup, he’d been on the front page of GT, interviewed on KRock and Joy fm. If you’re lucky you might catch him, and his incredible infectious energy, singing at Beavs or the Piano Bar.
Chris is proudly drug and alcohol free. “It’s important to watch who you hang around with, find your vibe tribe who are full of love and who will help you grow. A loving, non-judgemental connection is bliss.”
He has three tracks under his name “Chris Stefano” on Spotify, Apple Music + all other major platforms. He can also be found on Insta + Tik Tok @christopher.rabbit
Story by Jacqui Bennett. Photos supplied by Chris Stefano.
An Australian First is being initiated in Geelong – National Grief Week. Although there are grief and bereavement days/weeks in other parts of the world, there was no Australian equivalent. We have ‘’Dying to Know Day’’ and ‘’Palliative Care Week’’, Hope Bereavement, Geelong, didn’t feel that these shone a light on general grief and loss. The aim of this project was to change that. And so National Grief Week was born!
We know that grief is something that inevitably affects us all at some point in our lives, yet as a society we are still not very good at talking about the experience of grief.
The MISSION of ‘National Grief Week’ is to change this!
Our AIM is to normalise the universal, human experience of grieving, by creating conversation, increasing awareness and bringing hope.
Our HOPE is that by facilitating, opportunities for open, honest, discussions about a topic that is all too often ignored or sidestepped, these will serve as a catalyst to bring people together to learn more about grief, and how we can better support one another.
As part of GRIEF WEEK 2024,May 19th – 26th , Hope Bereavement will be running a number of events and activities. Most of these are FREE or low cost, but registrations are essential (Tickets are limited).
We will be running a launch event; art exhibition; professional development workshops; a walk and talk session; a film screening of ‘Speaking Grief and Panel discussion’; a drumming workshop; and creative workshops.
Did you know there are 15 schools in Geelong, working together to build voice in teen girls to instigate positive change over a range of social justice issues? They are facilitating assertive behaviour training and goal setting that promotes greater gender equality and empowers young women to speak up for all kinds of scenarios later in life. This initiative has grown to include over 140 students. This exciting venture is called ‘Be Bold, Be Heard’.
The first of 4 forums was held on the 5th March at GMHBA Stadium. The session started with Nya Tut (North Geelong Secondary College student leader and member of BBBH) giving an enthralling speech about her journey in BBBH and her completion of the Kokoda Trek that impressed students, staff, and community leaders immensely.
The first Forum inspired students to start identifying changes they can make in class, college, and community, for example, to tackle gender difference in student engagement, voice and agency. Students were then given guidance and advice on starting to allocate roles within working teams and some team building activities, led by Respectful Relationships leaders.
The group then heard from a panel of 7 experts, who then went from table to table answering all the questions the students had conjured up. This was an excellent opportunity for the students to form some positive potential partnerships to support their actions going forward.
The Be Bold, Be Heard initiative is led by Brad Headlam, Assistant Principal of the Middle School at North Geelong Secondary College. You might be able to help out, they’re looking for further sponsorship and affordable venues.
In addition to this, they are constantly looking for inspiring guest speakers, mentors and coaches.
The Be Bold, Be Heard (BBBH) donation handover photo is part of the Newcomb Secondary College BBBH initiative, where they raised money to donate to the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Louise Tracey (community Relations Officers is in photo accepting the donation).
Thanks to all those who helped, the fight to save Spring Creek, in Torquay, is finally over. The Supreme Court decision wasn’t appealed, so it is time to celebrate!
This is the time for everyone to come together to recognize all the individuals, businesses, community groups and elected representatives that united to stand up for the collective aspirations of our coastal community. All the petitions, letters, submissions, events, actions and spreading of awareness over seventeen years have finally paid off!
Surf Coast Energy Group has a 100 year plan to restore the ecology of Spring Creek and they need your help so come along to the celebration to find out what the next steps are.
There will be discussions about how the campaign was won, how the Spring Creek valley can be rehabilitated and what is possible. The event will feature a preview of a film about the Spring Creek story and great speakers including;
Professor David Lindenmayer, a world-renowned expert on Australian ecology who has exposed the skullduggery of Victorian native forests continuing to be logged, will talk about the significance of woodlands in Spring Creek,
Jim Phillipson who is leading the charge to restore private land holdings and re-create wildlife corridors in Gippsland via the not for profit Biodiversity Legacy, and
Graeme Stockton who has been the main driver to save Spring Creek from start to finish will present SCEG’s vision for the Spring Creek valley.
When: Saturday 13th April 2024, 4-6pm
Where: Common Ground Cafe, 675 Anglesea Road, Freshwater Creek.
Our friends at Surfrider Foundation Victoria are hoping you’ll join them at the beach this Saturday, to take action against Seismic Blasting in our oceans. Bring your board and paddle out, or just show your support from the sand!
11.30-2pm
March 23rd
Cosy Corner Torquay
Here’s what they have to say: Multinational corporations (TGS and Schlumberger) are threatening to blast 4.5 million hectares of pristine ocean off the Victorian coastline. Blasts are as loud as an ATOMIC BOMB and endanger species such as whales and dolphins. Scientists and fishing communities are clear—this practice is incredibly damaging to local ecosystems. All species studied including rock lobster, zooplankton, scallops and octopus have been found to have permanent detrimental impacts.
Saturday the 23rd of March—join us on Wadawurrung Country to paddle out in support of our ocean. Meet at Cosy Corner, Torquay at 11:30 AM for a midday start.
Bring your board of choice, your signs and your voice—this is the chance for our community to stand united and show decision-makers that we do not want seismic blasting and offshore oil & gas exploration on our coasts.
This is an inclusive family-friendly event. You don’t need to be a surfer … paddle out on a kayak, a boogie board, or show your support from the beach!
Details:
– Meet at 11:30 AM at Cosy Corner, Torquay
– Parking available at nearby Point Danger and Front Beach.
– BYO signs, tee shirts and something to paddle on
– Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and water
So we can get an idea of numbers, please register here, its FREE, but also fun!
Aussie rock band the Angels will be celebrating their 50th Birthday mid this year. They formed in Adelaide in 1974. Their performance Thursday night at Costa Hall was exhilarating. They played alongside Cheap Trick.
Cheap Trick from Rockford Illinois, America formed in 1973.
Life is for living & dancing! Thanks guys. #humansingeelong #geelong #angels #cheaptrick #livemusic
“Feed Me Geelong is one of the largest food rescue and relief charities in our region, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. Each week, we deliver pre-cooked meals, pantry items and fresh fruit & veg to over 1500 homes for people who are unable to visit our locations.
“Our wasted market is a community initiative that relies on donations to provide a variety of rescued products to the public, helping to reduce landfill. The items vary daily. We weigh items upon exit to record the amount of food waste the community has helped save.
“Our markets are open to everyone and whatever you can contribute helps.
“If you find yourself in need of food relief, please reach out to one of our volunteers. Together we can continue making a difference.”
44 Westmoreland St, St Albans Park, Geelong. Mon – Sat 10-2pm. www.feedme.org.au With One Voice Choir sang at the open day on Saturday.
The Chemical Brothers played their only Victorian gig at Mt Duneed Winery, Geelong, last night. It was positively electric!
They are an English electronic duo, Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands from Manchester, who formed in 1989.
The beat travelled through the earth, up from through the soles of your feet, to your heart then radiated out into the world. Thanks guys, I’m sure Geelong will be buzzing with all that positive electric energy for quite some time.
HuG 