TAFE NSW Dubbo College team leader Adam Peckham said the expo was a great way to celebrate Mental Health Month, and offer much-needed assistance to the community at the same time.

There will be guest speakers, presentations, fun hands-on workshops, competitions, a chill-out room and a free barbecue lunch, with key community organisations such as Lifeline, Mission Australia, One Door Mental Health, Live Better – Ability Links, Neami National and Uniting Care supporting the event.

“This amazing community support means we’re in a great position as a group to raise awareness and break down stigma associated with mental health,” Mr Peckham said.

“It’s the perfect time for HSC students to learn tips about coping with stress and looking after their mental health as they head into their end-of-year exams.

“It’s also an opportunity for our staff, students and the broader community to see what support is available and act as an important reminder to take a break and look after ourselves.”

The expo will run from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, October 12 in the TAFE NSW Student Hub at the Myall Street campus.

As Mental Health Month gets into swing, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has also warned of the growing demand for mental healthcare in the bush.

“More rural and remote patients are visiting their local rural doctor for mental healthcare, with this area of care becoming a much larger component of general practice care than it was even five years ago,” RDAA president Dr Ewen McPhee said.

“It is fantastic that more rural and remote Australians, like their urban counterparts, are realising they need to look after their mental as well as physical health … but there is a crucial need to ensure they can access the mental healthcare they need, when they need it.”