Mental Health Symposium
Focus: youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention
When: Saturday May 31, 2025, 9am to 12.30pm
Where: University of Tasmania, Inveresk Campus
Who: The symposium would benefit parents and guardians, educators and anyone who works with youth and children in a mental health capacity.
Cost: Free
The Rotary Club of Central Launceston’s annual Sally’s Ride cycling event raises valuable funds to support youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives.
Since 2013, Australian Rotary Health research projects have focussed on the Prevention of Mental Health of Young Australians and in 2023 it began funding research grants aimed at the mental health of children aged 0-12.
The symposium will present the latest research into supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young Tasmanians and enable delegates to discuss the practical application of the research.
Speakers include:
Michael Sawyer, OAM – Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Head, Research and Evaluation Unit, Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide. Medical Advisor to the ARH Board.
Associate Prof Amanda Neil – Principal Research Fellow at Menzies Institute for Medical Research and the health economics lead for the ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation.
Lee Whiteley – CEO of Rural Alive and Well
Hon. Minister Roger Jaensch MP – Minister for Children and Youth and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Amanda Aitken – Senior project officer with Mental Health Council Tasmania.
Sally’s Ride
The Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge
Sunday, November 30, 2025
starting at the Launceston Rugby Union Club, Home Point Parade
Sally’s Ride started in 2002 when Sally Fletcher rode 1,400km solo around Tasmania raising funds for mental health in Tasmania. In 2009, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Central Launceston, the event was expanded to include different cycling opportunities for riders of all fitness and abilities.
Registration fees from 2023 went to:
Australian Rotary Health‘s research, which is focused on improving the mental health of our youngest Australians, the 0-12 age group.
The Black Dog Institute to support development of LifeBuoy, a smartphone application designed to help young people manage their suicidal thoughts and distress in daily life.
All rides start & finish at the Launceston Rugby Union Club via Home Point Parade.
The five rides offer differing challenges to cater for riders of all abilities.
- St.LukesHealth 10km trail ride
- ALA Partners 20km trail ride
- Solstice Energy 50km Challenge
- JBS 70km Challenge
- Briggs Financial 100km Sally’s Ride
Please note the special Terms and Conditions here: Terms and Conditions of Entry
Teams Challenge
Gather your team! The team challenge is for cumulative team kilometres from any of the rides. Individuals registering in a team go in the running for prizes too! Suitable for sporting groups, corporate teams or friends and family.
Sally's Ride
The Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge
Sunday 30 November 2025
Be part of this Cycling Challenge and raise funds for local projects working on improving the mental health of the Tasmanian community.
