“Every day, the work of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is supported by Tasmanians – sometimes in somewhat unusual or unique ways.

Our annual awareness day, Shorts Day has gained considerable interest Statewide, with people from all walks of life donning shorts on the shortest day of the year to shine a light on mental health and the importance of supportive conversations.

Since the start of Stay ChatTY in 2013 there have always been incredible ways the community has gotten behind the cause. But over the past few months, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY has had some wonderful opportunities to work alongside Tasmanian community members who have found incredible ways to step outside the mould mentally and physically – Trent Henderson, Kelvin Smith and Dillon Goss.

Kelvin pushed a 240kg piano up kunanyi – starting the day before the Point to Pinnacle. Getting to the pinnacle with minutes to spare … as the first competitors crossed the finish line. All whilst Kelvin took to a celebratory tune on his piano.

At around The Springs Kelvin had to have a lie down to recalibrate and muster the physical and mental energy to continue the climb … understandably … and credits his team with getting him to the summit.

The mental and physical grit and determination shown by Kelvin has sparked many meaningful conversations about mental health and raised awareness of the importance of normalising the conversation and breaking down stigma.

Dillon Goss ran around Tasmania, starting and finishing in his hometown of Devonport.

Dillon achieved his fundraising target of $11,000 on his first day of the challenge and raised more than double that by the end.

Most impressively, he ran most of the way nursing some physical strains and pains. Without his support team and medical professionals in his corner, finishing the run would have been impossible. Another great example of how nothing can really be accomplished without a team.

And whilst I write this Trent Henderson is out there in the elements running a daily marathon. I perhaps blame myself for Trent Henderson, who heard me speak at his school years ago.

Trent faced his own personal challenges and worked through some tough times relating to his mental health which had led him to a place with thoughts of suicide.

Trent is one the journey of completing 110 marathons in 110 days … all whilst continuing to work a full-time job.

Some nights he starts running after work and doesn’t get through the run until after 10pm!

Trent has said his marathon challenge is all about raising awareness about positive mental health and suicide prevention, encouraging daily challenges and spreading kindness.

Trent is so fortunate to have his mum Mandy in his corner ensuring he is getting the calories in daily, as well as keeping his household running whilst he is in the thick of completing this challenge.

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is now in its 12th year.

Without everyday Tasmanians – and some people achieving extraordinary personal challenges – we would not exist.

I always find myself going back to the roots of why we started. And I am never afraid to take myself back to the deep sadness I feel when I’m reminded of why Stay ChatTY came into existence.

As I have said many times before, I feel that taking myself back to the loss of my little brother helps my grieving journey.

When I need to, I can focus on that to let out the sadness and emotions I need. I can then bring myself back to the present and focus on the job at hand – which is doing my best at life for me and those around me.

I am inspired by people like Trent, Dillon and Kelvin – if not moved to try to mirror their efforts (in maybe less physically demanding ways!).

But I am also inspired every day when we go into schools and workplaces and have open and valuable conversations with younger and older Tasmanians about the challenges, they, their friends and families face.

In the work we do, as I have also said many times before, we don’t always hear about the positive impact of our work.

But I know that when Kelvin pushes a piano up a very steep elevation, Dillon shuffles along a remote road in the rugged landscapes around Tasmania and Trent finishes yet another marathon ahead of a full day of work the next morning, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment and acknowledge that every day Tasmanians are doing extraordinary things to ensure mental health is always front of mind.

As part of the continued investment in the mental health landscape here in Tasmania, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY will keep doing our bit each and every day.

For everyone.”

Mitch McPherson, Founder SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY