LET’S TALK appoints new Executive Officer; one month to go before Ray White Charity Ball
MEDIA RELEASE
21 June 2024
LET’S TALK appoints new Executive Officer; one month to go before Ray White Charity Ball
KEY POINTS:
• Ben Bowring appointed as new LET’S TALK Executive Officer
• Communities encouraged to donate to Let’s Talk via letstalkaustralia.org
• One month until Ray White Charity Ball, tickets via raywhitecharityball.com
Local community-based mental health organisation LET’S TALK has today announced the appointment of Ben Bowring as its new Executive Officer.
LET’S TALK works in partnership with local communities to reduce stigma, encourage help seeking, and increase awareness about mental health issues. It currently has a presence in the Warrnambool, Colac, and Mansfield districts of regional Victoria, with plans to connect with additional regional communities in the coming years.
Chair of the Let’s Talk Foundation Board, Karen Foster, said that Mr Bowring had been selected from a field of exceptional applicants, and was a welcome addition to the organisation’s team.
“Since it began nearly eight years ago, LET’S TALK has been working hard to make a positive difference to local mental health outcomes, including through many hours of effort from our passionate staff and volunteers.
“This dedication has given LET’S TALK a strong foundation from which to grow over the next eight years and beyond, and we are very much looking forward to working with Ben as we move into the next phase of the organisation’s journey.”
Mr Bowring brings to the role his extensive experience working with place-based initiatives, as well as communications, policy, and partnerships. While moving to the role from Tasmania, he also has a strong connection with South-West Victoria through his partner’s family, and through regular visits as part of a previous Melbourne-based role.
Importantly, Ben has a close personal commitment to the vision and mission of Let’s Talk through his ongoing lived experience of managing mental health conditions, including as a teenager – and, later, as an adult – living in regional Tasmania.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Bowring said that he was excited to be working alongside the LET’S TALK founders, board, staff, and volunteers.
“The level of support and respect LET’S TALK has in our local partner communities is a clear sign of the great work the organisation is doing to support regional mental health, and presents many great opportunities for us to grow our positive impact.”
Mr Bowring also said that, as the end of financial year approaches, he would warmly encourage anyone who is able to consider donating to support the organisation’s work.
“LET’S TALK would not be able to make such a difference in our local communities without the invaluable contributions of our supporters, including through generous donations.
“Donations are easy to make via our website – letstalkaustralia.org – and are fully tax deductible for any amount over $2.”
One Month until Ray White Charity Ball
In addition to direct donations, community members in South-West Victoria are also encouraged to show their support by attending this year’s Ray White Charity Ball, which will be held on Saturday 20 July 2024 at the Warrnambool Racecourse.
The Charity Ball, now in its third year, raises much-needed funds for local community organisations, with this year’s proceeds to be donated to LET’S TALK. The theme for the 2024 Ball is The Wizard of Oz, with guests set to enjoy a night full of quality entertainment, guest speakers, food, and fun.
Ray White Charity Ball Event Director, Tessa Stephens, said that the agency was thrilled to be able to restart the annual charity event after a postponement following COVID19.
“Through the last two Charity Balls, we have has raised $44,000 for two local organisations, and we could not think of a more fitting organisation than LET’S TALK to support through this year’s event.”
Tickets for this year’s ball are available at raywhitecharityball.com.
Raffle tickets for several fantastic prizes are also currently on sale in various locations throughout the community, and will be available for purchase on the night.
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ENQUIRES: hello@letstalkaustralia.org?
