M
ental health will be front of mind for tourism businesses across the state with operators and their staff being encouraged to take time to look after themselves following the rollercoaster of COVID. A year-long support package is being delivered by the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, after receiving $100,000 from a $20 million State Government COVID-19 Small Business Sustainability and Recovery Assistance Package. “As a tourism industry we continue to confront some of the most challenging, disruptive and uncertain market conditions any of us could ever imagine,” TICT CEO Luke Martin says. “We owe it to ourselves, our families, our staff and colleagues, to prioritise through 2021 our mental and physical well-being, and that of the people around us.” The first of the TICT’s support elements are already underway, with a Wellbeing and Resilience Roadshow hitting the road - delivering workshops across the state in person and online.
Bianca Welsh and Mitch McPherson from Stay ChatTY. They will challenge, inspire, energise, and up-skill you. Having face-to-face interactions with owneroperators, employers, management and staff in the tourism sector is something Dr Irons is looking forward to. Details to book your place at different sessions around the state are available via the TICT’s website. She is pragmatic but compassionate and on page 23 poses a simple question in a short article she has written for TICT Quarterly to ensure everyone takes the time for a mental health “check-up”. Lifeline is also delivering free training to small business owners and staff through a Minding Your Business program, which offers a range of training courses ranging from one hour to two days in length.
Ms Pearson says the last year has been challenging but the one positive to come from the pandemic has been the strengthened focus on mental health in Tasmania and a willingness for organisations and communities to work together to support the most vulnerable Tasmanians.
AUTUMN | 2021 | ISSUE 5
MENTAL HEALTH: WHY YOU SHOULD BE TAKING TIME OUT TO FOCUS ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Lifeline Tasmania Business Development Manager – Training and Support, Clare Pearson, says its hoped the program will be delivered in regional areas in the coming months as a follow up to the roadshow.
The workshops are being hosted by Dr Melanie Irons, a psychologist, consultant, researcher, qualified personal trainer and Pilates instructor, who is being joined by Tasmanian tourism champion 21
