Support Act announces First Nations-focused mental health talk series

Support Act has announced a series of online seminars centred around the mental health of First Nations artists.

Tying in with NAIDOC Week, the On My Mind mental health talks are tailored to the interests of First Nations artists, managers, road crew and industry workers, and will be available for attendees to join online.

Each talk will feature discussions with Indigenous workers about how their mental health is represented throughout the industry, as well as the healing power of music and how the local industry can create a safe space for First Nations artists and music industry professionals.

The first event in the series, Yarning Strong, will be held on Friday, July 23 at 7:30pm, with JK-47 and Uncle Kutcha Edwards partaking in a panel discussion with Support Act community engagement and social worker and proud Walpiri, Jawoyn and Gurrindji woman Cesira Grant.

Grant welcomed the arrival of the mental health discussion series, deeming On My Mind a “big step forward” for the music industry.

“We’re thrilled to be able to put on a brand new On My Mind series that allows the voices of First Nations people in music to express, support and heal together,” Grant said.

“It’s a big step forward in addressing issues in our community and ensuring First Nations people in the music industry feel safe to come forward, have a yarn and ask for help if needed.”

Support Act will also hold Australia’s first-ever music industry mental health conference at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) in Sydney in October.