Australian Rotary Health Autumn Update 2023

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THE UPDATE

The new year is here and ARH selected the projects that will receive grants to conduct research.

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ROTARIANS HIKE TO RAISE $16K FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Across five days, a group of Rotarians and non-Rotarians were given the chance of a lifetime to walk selected highlights of the iconic Heysen Trail.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

PDG Kevin Shadbolt

IT was a memorable moment when Anne and I saw our grandson for the first time. He was a beautiful baby, dark eyes, curly black hair and a lovely olive complexion. He was the first and would always hold a special place in our hearts.

As time went on, he developed an irregular sleep pattern. This caused much disruption for his parents and being medical doctors, they were aware of the potential problems that could arise. It is well known that infants require 8 hours sleep per night and between 2-5 hours during the day, our grandson was getting nowhere near that amount. Regular sleep is required for brain and physical development and sleep depredation can lead to many problems including mental health issues.

In recent years Australian Rotary Health has focused its research on the mental health problems of those under the age of 25. The Board recently decided that from 2023 mental health research would be focused on the 0–12 year olds. This change was prompted by the fact that 50% of adults experiencing mental illness had shown symptoms by age 14.

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DID THE PANDEMIC MAKE YOUNG ADULTS BIGGER DRINKERS?

ARH was advised that by intervening at this young age it may be possible to significantly reduce the incidence of mental illness in this country. Further support was given by statements from WA Auditor General and the NSW Mental Health Commissioner when they both suggested that those working in the mental health space should concentrate on the 0–12 year olds. Exactly what ARH had decided to do.

A very successful ARH National Symposium was held in August 2022 bringing together 25 of the leading researchers from around Australia to discuss the new research focus, to present their thoughts and to recommend ways of improving the mental health of the very young. Many positive ideas were presented.

The new Mental Health Grants were advertised to all research centres in Australia and 149 applications were received. The Research Committee comprising 11 leading researchers had the difficult task of assessing all applications. 13 research projects were supported and each will be funded for up to three years.

I would like to thank members of the Research Committee for generously giving their time and expertise to advise ARH on the many mental health research applications received each year. They also assist in research related matters contributing to ARH’s high standing in the medical research space.

The 13 applications have been approved by the Board and research will begin this year. Two projects will focus on sleep disorders, taking different approaches to improving sleep patterns and potentially improving the mental health of this young age group.

Fortunately, our grandson’s sleeping pattern improved with the help of a suitable training program. Now 15 years later he is a well-adjusted, very pleasant young man, doing well academically as well as on the sporting field. He still enjoys holidays with his grandparents ARH

PROJECTS TO CREATE CHANGE – ARH FUNDS CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN 2023

A study co-funded by Australian Rotary Health aimed to understand the attitudes towards alcohol consumption in young Australians.

PROJECTS TO CREATE CHANGE – ARH FUNDS CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN 2023

THE new year is here and ARH selected the projects that will receive grants to conduct research on the mental health of children 0-12 years old. Each grant is worth up to $70,000 for a year, with all thirteen projects totalling to over $850,000. These Mental Health Grants are a few of many existing grants currently being funded by ARH, including our Funding Partner Research PhD Scholarships, Indigenous Health Scholarships and Rural Medical & Nursing Scholarships.

‘Setting kids up for life: A digital program for improving the sleep & mental health of children aged 3-12 years’ – Professor Caroline Donovan from Griffith University, QLD.

‘Improving childhood sleep: the bedrock of depression prevention’ – Dr Sophie Li from the Black Dog Institute affiliated with the University of New South Wales, NSW.

‘A model of improved care for child mental health problems using Measurement-Based Care’ – Dr Lucy Tully from the University of Sydney, NSW.

‘Optimising exposure treatment for children with anxiety’ – Professor Jennifer Hudson from the Black Dog Institute affiliated with the University of New South Wales, NSW.

‘Improving child mental health in foster care: A pilot randomised trial of an attachment-and-trauma-informed intervention’ – Dr David Pasalich from The Australian National University, ACT.

‘FAST (Families Accessing online Skills Training) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Paediatric OCD: A nation-wide randomised controlled trial’ – Professor Lara Farrell from Griffith University, QLD.

‘Cluster randomised controlled trial of a mental health education program in ACT primary schools’ – Professor Alison Calear from The Australian National University, ACT.

‘Trauma-Informed Behaviour Supports for the Early Intervention of Child Mental Health: A Pragmatic implementation Trial with Regional Schools’ – Dr Govind Krishnamoorthy from the University of Southern Queensland, QLD.

‘Mental Health First Aid for supporting children: An evaluation of a new Mental Health First Aid Training for parents & teachers of 5-12 year olds’ – Dr Laura Hart from the University of Melbourne, VIC. This project will also be partly funded by the Rotary Club of Glenferrie (VIC) and their Lift the Lid Golf Day held in mid-2022.

‘Feasibility & acceptability pilot trial of a coach-supported, online parenting

intervention for parents of children with autism to reduce internalising’ – Dr Marie Yap from Monash University, VIC. This project will also be partly funded by the Late Stuart McDonald of the Rotary Club of Healesville (VIC).

‘Supporting Toddlers, Engaging Parents (STEPs) to address early regulatory difficulties: A Multiphase Optimisation Strategy Approach’ – Dr Amy FinlayJones from the Telethon Kids Institute affiliated with the University of Western Australia, WA.

‘A Staged Mental Health Care Plan for Children integrating child & parent assessment in Education settings: A feasibility randomised control trial’ – Professor Sonja March from the University of Southern Queensland, QLD.

‘Increasing access to evidence-based mental health interventions for child mental health for carers of Aboriginal children: The Growing Minds Check In.’ – Dr Talia Carl from the University of Sydney, NSW.

Thank you to all the efforts of Rotarians and non-Rotarians for their fundraising efforts to help us fund these projects. ARH

Lift the Lid Walk Highlights

THE Lift the Lid Walk Physical Health for Mental Health campaign continues to expand across Australia. By the end of this summer, we would have seen walk events take place in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The walk and talk format is deliberately not a race, but gives an opportunity for locals to get together and raise awareness of the serious mental health issues we all face. Moreover, physical exercise is vital for mental health as it improves mood, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosts self-esteem. Exercise releases mood-enhancing endorphins and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Regular physical activity can be a natural way to support and improve overall mental health.

The Lift the Lid Walk initiative has raised over $150,000 for mental health research so far. ARH

CAMERA CAMPBELLTOWN, SA

CAMERA MONT ALBERT & SURREY HILLS, VIC.

Rotarians Hike to Raise $16k for Mental Health Research

ACROSS five days, a group of Rotarians and non-Rotarians from South Australia and Victoria were given the chance of a lifetime to walk selected highlights of the iconic Heysen Trail to raise money for mental health research and our Lift the Lid on Mental Illness campaign. They covered over 78km!

With the support of the ARH district committee, the Rotary Clubs of Glenelg, Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Goolwa, Strathalbyn, Mount Barker, Stirling, Gawler Light, McLaren Vale, Adelaide, Waikerie and Wendouree Breakfast, the Heysen Trail Trek raised not only public awareness of our Lift the Lid campaign but over $16,000 for mental health research!

With 11 walkers and 2 guides, they met at the end of each day with nearby Rotary clubs, who provided an evening meal, bed, and breakfast in their homes, before dropping their guests to the next day’s starting point. New friendships were made, thoughts were shared and respect earned. It soon became apparent that this trek had huge benefits on the mental wellbeing of the walkers, who were profiting not just from exercising in the open air but by getting away from the pressures of life. ARH

CAMERA SORRENTO, VIC.

CAMERA YARRAWONGA MULWALA, VIC./NSW

Celtic Music Lovers Supporting Mental Health Research

ON Saint Patricks Day, the Melbourne Celtic Festival satisfied Melbourne’s love affair with Celtic music while supporting mental health research. With proceeds going to Australian Rotary Health, the Melbourne Celtic Festival will support the wider Australian community through vital mental health research.

Across three indoor stages, the local event featured an amazing line-up of Celtic musicians, including their headlining act, Austral, a highenergy Australian Celtic music band who were winners of the Traditional Folk Album of the Year at the 2022 Australian Folk Music Awards. ARH

Another Year to Ride for Medical Research

THE historic bike rides hosted by Rotary District 9810 date back 38 years and have raised over $1.2 million for Australian Rotary Health. Such a huge contribution has supported programs run by ARH, funding thousands of medical and mental health research findings. The bike rides continued in 2023, with the District’s Ride for Medical Research.

The ‘Bendigo Gold Tour’ ride took in a range of the historic towns and scenery in the area. 41 riders embarked on a six-day journey exploring the central Victorian goldfields, totalling up to 590 kilometres. ARH

Flying Bears Raise $4,000 for ARH Research

AUSTRALIAN Rotary Health would love to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the Teddy Bear Fly-in event hosted by the Rotary Club of Devonport, Tasmania. It was the largest crowd in its thirteen year history of the event running! “I’ve never cooked so many sausages!” said ARH Chairman, Kevin Shadbolt OAM. About 500 bears were purchased and flown into the air by Tasmanian helicopters! Up to $4,000 was raised from the event, with its proceeds going toward an ARH research project about Gastroparesis. It is events like these that Lift the Lid on Mental Illness and support future Australians through health research! ARH

THE BEST GIFT

COULD EVER GIVE

MAKING a will is important at any stage of our lives. It ensures that when we pass away, our estate will be handled the way we planned. Furthermore, making a will ensures that our assets will go to the people we choose, giving peace of mind that our affairs are in order. Including a bequest in your will is also one of the easiest ways to continue supporting our community after death. A gift to Australian Rotary Health in you will can take the form of:

• Residuary Bequest – A gift of balance of your estate, or a percentage of it, after you’ve made gifts to family and friends.

• Pecuniary Bequest – A specific amount of money that you decide.

• Specific Bequest – A specified item such as shares, property, works of art, jewellery and other items of value.

Australian Rotary Health ensures that your bequest meets your wishes and is used effectively. To find out more about making a bequest to Australian Rotary Health, contact our office.

Willed is a trusted online platform and Australian Rotary Health invites you to receive 20% off your legal will. Every dollar helps! ARH

ARH FUNDS MORE RESEARCH FINDINGS

Healing The Past – How We Can End Intergenerational Trauma in Indigenous Youth

Professor Elizabeth Elliot

AUSTRALIAN Rotary Health has partially funded research in the Bigiswun Kid Project, a longitudinal study that

analysed the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous adolescents living in the remote Fitzroy Valley Aboriginal communities.

In 2018, Professor Elizabeth Elliot from the University of Sydney was awarded an ARH Mental Health Research Grant to lead the Bigiswun Kid Project (‘Bigiswun Kid’ meaning ‘Big One Kid’ or ‘Adolescent’ in the Kimberley Kriol language).

At the request of Aboriginal community leaders, Professor Elliot and her team collaborated with the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and Fitzroy Crossing Aboriginal Community-

Controlled Organisation in 2020-21 to conduct the study.

It follows a similar study ten years prior, called the Lililwan Project, now revealing new information on the impacts that high rates of prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and early life trauma has had on Indigenous youth.

The Lililwan Project found that 90% of Indigenous youth aged 7-9 experienced early life trauma, with 20% meeting the criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

The Bigiswun Kid Project has followed up with the same cohort of youth, now aged 17-19, finding many self-reporting mental health concerns and or self-harm or suicidal intent. Such findings have

Did the Pandemic Make Young Adults Bigger Drinkers?

Associate Professor Tim Slade

A STUDY co-funded by Australian Rotary Health aimed to understand the attitudes towards alcohol consumption in young Australians by examining the relationship between their drinking habits and how they perceive their own drinking.

ARH Mental Health Grant recipient, Associate Professor Tim Slade from the University of Sydney, was a part of the team that conducted the study between 2018 and 2021. During the longitudinal study, the COVID-19 pandemic had introduced an unexpected unique factor of alcohol consumption in these young adults.

Most studies which have measured pandemic-related changes of alcohol consumptions, have not utilised a selfidentifying measurement to compare alongside actual drinking measurements. In other words, this study relied on the participant’s own perception of own drinking habits to compare with their actual drinking habits.

With a total of 856 participants, the study found that self-attribution

expressed grave concern for the lack of psychological support in these Aboriginal communities.

All parents and young people interviewed in the study said they

want a locally based, social and emotional wellbeing service to support their communities healing from the intergenerational trauma in consequence from the continual impacts of colonial policies.

“Young people aged 17-19 years living in the remote Fitzroy Valley in Western Australia clearly identified the supports and services they need to thrive in adulthood. They told us they need a social and emotional well-being service; supported work programs; housing; and on-going opportunity to spend time oncountry” said Professor Elizabeth Elliott.

The CEO of Marninwartikura Women’s Resource Centre, Emily Carter, also called for change, stating, “intergenerational trauma is real, it is not a flippant word, it is our lived reality, and it is impacting our health, mental health, and spiritual health.” ARH

measures of pandemicrelated increases in alcohol consumption were found to largely underestimate the actual increase in alcohol consumption. Most participants who experienced an increase in alcohol consumption throughout the study failed to correctly self-attribute that increase. These findings suggest that a young individual’s perception of their drinking habits do not correspond well with their actual drinking habits.

It is important to note that though this study may have found that most young Australians do not correspond their perception of drinking habits correctly, does not mean that the COVID-19 pandemic did not introduce factors that could have jeopardised the method of measurement. This is especially relevant when identifying groups at risk of alcohol use increases and appropriate direction of public health efforts. ARH

SUPPORTING RURAL AUSTRALIA

– ARH RURAL MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIPS

SUPPORTING rural doctors in Australia is important to enable rural communities to access health care services. Australian Rotary Health offers specialised scholarship

incentives to medical students completing their professional development in these communities. Particularly in the current climate of doctor shortages in regional Australia,

providing opportunities for medical students may contribute to supporting essential healthcare services and retention of medical professionals in rural areas. ARH

KATHERINE DUMA

“I AM BEYOND THRILLED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY MEDICAL SCHOOL JOURNEY, SPENDING 5TH YEAR IN WHYALLA.”

MATTHEW SHEPPARD

“THE SUPPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP WOULD ALLOW ME TO ENGAGE WITH MY CLINICAL STUDIES AND THE COMMUNITY IN COOMA TO MY GREATEST EXTENT.”

REUBEN CAUDELL

“I WILL, WITH COMPLETE CERTAINTY, BE LIVING AND WORKING RURALLY AS A DOCTOR IN THE FUTURE TO HELP CORRECT THE DISTRIBUTION SHORTAGE OF MEDICAL STAFF. THIS IS MY PASSION AND PURPOSE FOR STUDYING MEDICINE.”

FRIENDS & COMPANIONS WITH ROTARY CLUBS

CUMULATIVE DONATIONS FROM JULY 2022 TO FEBRUARY 2023

$100K DIAMOND COMPANIONS

• Michael Wright QLD

• Alan Grady Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrise, Bella Vista, NSW

• Rotary Club of South Bunbury, WA

$5K COMPANIONS

• Haran & Ahsha Ramachandran Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville, NSW

• Anne Elder Rotary Club of Bungendore, NSW

• Nerida Dean Rotary Club of Mullumbimby, NSW

• Charles Tran Rotary Club of Glenferrie, VIC

$50K EMERALD COMPANIONS

• Mark & Karen Hancock Rotary Club of Erina, NSW

• Dr King Gan VIC

$2.5K DIAMOND FRIENDS

• Graeme Moorfoot Rotary Club of Nunawading, VIC

$20K RUBY COMPANIONS

• John King OAM Rotary Club of Brighton, VIC

• Kevin Shadbolt OAM Rotary Club of Devonport, TAS

$2K

PLATINUM FRIENDS

• William Payne Rotary Club of Ryde, NSW

• Deane Bartley Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove, SA

• Roger Wilson Rotary Club of Nunawading, VIC

$10K GOLD COMPANIONS

• Janette Jackson Rotary Club of Cessnock, NSW

$1K

SILVER FRIENDS

• Hank Gibcus Rotary Club of Nunawading, VIC

ARH Director Lorraine (left) presenting the award to Janet Jackson.

ARH Director Michael Buckeridge presenting the award to Michael Wright.

District 9685 Governor Mina Howard presenting an Emerald Companion to Mark & Karen Hancock with ARH District 9685 Chair Bob Kaye-Smith.

ARH Vice Chairman Stephen Humphreys (right) presenting ARH Chairman Kevin Shadbolt his Ruby Companion.

2023 EVENT CALENDAR

Upcoming Australian Rotary Health fundraising events can be found at:

www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au/events

Apr

30 - May 7

NORTH RYDE EFUN RUN 2023

The North Ryde eFun Run for Youth Mental Health is organised by the Rotary Club of North Ryde. The proceeds will go to Australian Rotary Health, for research into youth mental health and to support youth programs.

In 2021, the club transitioned the Fun Run to a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past 2 years, the eFun Run has raised over $20,000 for Youth Mental Health.

The event is open to the local and broader community, university and school students. Students, their parents and siblings, and the many residents and businesses of the area are invited to enter the eFun Run, paying a small entry donation.

Entrants nominate a distance they will challenge themselves to cover during the week. They can walk, run or jog in their own time, at their own pace, individually or in a team.

Each entrant or team can seek sponsorship for their challenge from their families, friends and colleagues through the eFun Run website: https://rotary-northryde-efunrun2023.raisely.com

There are gift card prizes for the individual or team that raises the most in sponsorship.

May 7

LIFT THE LID WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – KWINANA, WA

The LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health will get you walking and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health.

When: Sunday, 7th May, 2023.

Where: From Bendigo Bank @ Challenger Avenue

Who: Everyone who has been impacted by or cares about mental health. Entry fee: $30 includes a t-shirt. Kids 15 and under walk for free (no shirt).

The event finishes with a free BBQ sausage sizzle provided by the Rotary Club of Kwinana, and coffee van will be on site. Let’s get walking and get everyone talking about mental health!

October 8

LIFT THE LID WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – CAMPBELLTOWN, MAGILL/SUNRISE, SA

The LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health will get you walking and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health.

When: Sunday, 8th October, 2023.

Where: Campbelltown Memorial Oval Paradise, SA. Linking into nearby Linear Park and returning back to Memorial Oval.

Who: Everyone who has been impacted by or cares about mental health.

Entry fee: $30 includes a t-shirt. Kids 15 and under walk for free (no shirt).

Let’s get walking and get everyone talking about mental health!

October 8

LIFT THE LID WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – TOWNSVILLE QLD

The LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health will get you walking and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health.

When: Sunday, 8th October, 2023

Where: Strand Park, Townsville.

Who: Everyone who has been impacted by or cares about mental health – dogs are welcome!

Entry fee: $30 includes a t-shirt. Kids 15 and under walk for free (no shirt).

Let’s get walking and get everyone talking about mental health!

October 15

LIFT THE LID WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – CORAL COAST, BARGARA

The LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health will get you walking and get us all talking while we raise vital funds for Australian Rotary Health.

When: Sunday, May 21st, 2023.

Where: Along the Esplanade from Bargara – Neilson Park – Mon Repos and back.

Who: Everyone who has been impacted by or cares about mental health.

Entry fee: $30 includes a t-shirt. Kids 15 and under walk for free (no shirt).

Let’s get walking and get everyone talking about mental health!