Olympic snowboarder and beyondblue Ambassador Belle Brockhoff will be raising awareness of depression and anxiety at Mt Buller on Saturday August 8, as part of a beyondblue day on the mountain.
A beyondblue marquee will be set up in the Village Square throughout the day (11AM-3PM), offering free beyondblue information and the chance to meet Belle (1PM-2PM). There will also be a performance from former X Factor runner-up Andrew Wishart (2PM-3PM), and $2 hot chocolates sold to support beyondblue.
Visitors to the marquee can also enter a competition to win a group snowboarding session with Belle on Saturday afternoon.
Belle finished eighth in the snowboard cross at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, the most successful snowboard cross result for Australia at the Games. She was also the only openly gay member of the Australian Olympic team in Sochi and spoke out against Russia’s anti-gay laws.
She became a beyondblue Ambassador in 2014, to share her story of depression and anxiety in the hope of inspiring others to speak up and seek support when they are struggling. You can read Belle’s story here.
In a show of support for this event, Buller Ski Lifts will rename their iconic ABOM Express Chairlift the ‘beyondblue Express Chairlift’ for the event.
In the evening, Mt Buller beyondblue Day will continue with a fun night out at the Moosehead Bar and Bistro, downstairs at the ABOM Hotel and Restaurant (7PM-10PM). There will be live music from Andrew Wishart and comedy from Fox FM Breakfast Host Dave Thornton. The event has a $5 entry fee, with all funds raised donated to beyondblue.
beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman encourages people visiting Mt Buller on August 8 to check out the beyondblue marquee and other activities, to find out about the importance of maintaining good mental health.
“This day is a fantastic opportunity for beyondblue to raise awareness of depression and anxiety and the importance of maintaining good mental health among people visiting Mt Buller,” she said.
“Like skiing and snowboarding, life can also involve obstacles, but looking after your mental health and seeking support early if you’re struggling can help make navigating these bumps easier.
“All money raised on the day will help us continue our important work supporting people with depression and anxiety and their families, including the beyondblue Support Service which is available by phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via webchat (3PM-midnight AEST) or email at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.
“beyondblue is grateful to Buller Ski Lifts and Mt Buller Resort Management for supporting this event, and to the fantastic Belle Brockhoff for being involved. By continually sharing her story, Belle is helping to break down stigma around depression and anxiety.”
Belle said she is excited to be representing beyondblue on her home mountain.
“From my own experience, I know just how important it is for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and to be ready to take action when they recognise they are struggling. I look forward to chatting with people about this and hitting the slopes with some keen boarders,” she said.
