It’s hoped that progress will continue with a free event on October 10, showcasing what is available to the local community for improving overall health and well-being.

The Get Amongst It Day will be held at the Civic Green and Linda Wright and Louise Endean, both community mental health practitioners with Mind Australia, said it was hoped the event, which is part of Mental Health Week, would go a long way to reducing stigma.

Ms Endean said she began working in mental health in the late 1980s and since then there had been a greater understanding of what it meant to have a diagnosis of a mental illness.

“The difference is there is more understanding and support,” she said.

She said it was important for people with a mental illness that they developed a sense of belonging and self esteem and that their family and friends are more understanding.

“Less blame is being put on the individual,” she said.

Ms Wright said the focus of the Get Amongst It Day was on overall general well-being and was to encourage people to make healthy choices in their life.

There will be people to assist with relaxation, massage, Zumba, indigenous groups and sporting clubs along with a free sausage sizzle.

The event will be held from 10am till 2pm.