Written by Jason H

I along with many others from the Toowoomba Clubhouse attended the 2019 Breaking Free Mental Health Concert held at the Toowoomba City Golf Club on Friday the 11th of October from 5.30pm to 9.00pm. Whilst it was an official social recreation activity Toowoomba Clubhouse also took the fantastic opportunity to set up an information stand which was staffed by Nick Ryan, Rhea and I throughout the evening. Our enthusiastic anticipation was well placed as a great night was had by all. There were great performances by many inspiring acts but there were a number of standout performances.

One of the first acts to kick off the main show was the Rainbow Choir. The Choir is comprised of members with a disability where the music provides them with many great avenues. For therapy, social engagement, simply to have fun and to entertain others. The Rainbow Choir not only hit the right note literally but also figuratively with a very well-rehearsed and performed vocal and musical set of many well -known Australian classics. Be this from the Australian National Anthem to the childhood favourite Zipady Do Da Zipady Day accompanied by very skillful playing of the Kazoo. Audience members were invited to participate onstage and general audience sang along with the Rainbow Choir with enthusiasm and elation.

If my efforts to return to study do not go as expected I have the physical attributes for a back-up career- that being as a belly dancer. In all seriousness that is dramatically underestimating the tremendous amount of: rhythm, skill, fitness and above all dedication required to perform this very ancient art in a contemporary society and setting. The belly dancers were really quite incredible keeping us all captivated and immensely entertained with their dancing. One can only imagine the many years of dedication and training these lovely ladies have devoted to perfecting this art.

The night concluded with a presentation and motivational speech by the world’s fastest blind motorcyclist Ben Felton. Ben not only holds the world record he is a proud Australian along with his mentor and navigator Kevin Magee. Ben pointed out that being totally blind has many practical challenges that full sighted people naturally take for granted. The fact is our sense of balance especially travelling at high speed is predominately controlled by our sense of sight where he has to rely totally on his inner ear for balance. I believe travelling in excess of 260km an hour certainly qualifies as a high speed activity. Ben clearly demonstrated tremendous courage and dedication to pursue his dreams. To quote Ben, ‘When I ride my bike, I live in five minutes, more than most people do in a lifetime. It challenges me to the core, because fear is the biggest fear to overcome.’ It is a great analogy for life and whilst Ben’s challenge may be physical ours is mental but with courage and dedication we can overcome ours and enjoy a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the 2019 Breaking Free Mental Health Concert of one of the highlights for me of 2019. The concert was not only about breaking down stigma associated with mental illness it was to entertain but more importantly to inspire us all. To clearly illustrate and exemplify that whilst our challenges take different forms with hard work and dedication we can overcome them and live amazing lives full of fun whilst inspiring others. Be end the Rainbow Choir, the Belly Dancers or Australia’s own Ben Felten we are all unique with special qualities and abilities. We just need to believe in ourselves and back ourselves.