Wearing crazy hats to raise awareness about mental health

THE Rotary Club of Airlie Beach call on all Whitsunday residents to dig out their silliest hats or fanciest fascinators tomorrow (Friday) to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

This Friday [October 10] is Hat Day, an initiative established by the Australian Rotary Health that will see millions from across the nation wear a hat of their choice to show their support for mental health.

The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach’s goal is to get as many business owners and their staff to wear a hat and have loads of fun while promoting a worthwhile community initiative to raise more than $1000.

The club will host an official public presentation in honour of the day on Friday afternoon at Barcelona Tapas Bar and Cafe.

Prizes will be awarded for best office hats, best hat, unusual hat, worst hat, fascinator, enviromental hat, nautical hat, pirate hat and builder’s hat.

The prizes have been donated from Whitsunday Food Service, Cruise Whitsunday, Ocean Rafting, La Rochelle Boutique, Cartridge World, Plants Whitsundays, Charter Yachts Australia, Fish D’Vine and Porters.

Rotary Club of Airlie Beach secretary Denise Norder said the day was about relaying the message that no-one is immune to mental health illnesses.

“We would like the public to be involved by supporting ARH [Australian Rotary Health] and hat day to raise awareness of how prevalent mental illness is in all communities. Hat day shines a light in a fun way to this cause,” she said.

The day coincides with Mental Health Week which raises community awareness about mental health issues every October.

PRESENTATION

What: Hat Day awards

When: Friday, October 10

Where: Barcelona Tapas Bar And Cafe

Time: 4-6.30pm