June 2007

Talent takes to the stage

A friendly, cabaret-style club is giving artistes who might otherwise struggle to gain ‘exposure’ a chance to showcase their skills and entertain.

Stage Club is a project of Eastern Access Community Health’s Halcyon (Ferntree Gully) and Lifeworks (Ringwood) psychiatric day rehabilitation support services programs.

‘We’re reducing stigma and promoting community inclusion through something a bit different,’ said Halcyon’s Peter Massler.

‘Stage Club is a place where everyone can meet, entertain or be entertained and enjoy good brewed coffee and some excellent snack-sized meals prepared by our volunteer chef.’

It also offers hospitality and stage-work training for consumers of mental health services.

Stage Club’s opening night featured former professional musician who writes his own material Richard Gornall, bands Blowing Zen and Full Mental Jacket, the Foremost Dance Company—a rock-and-roll dance troupe that, in the words of an audience member, did ‘the whole Grease-thing’—and country rock duo Joyrider.

Stage Club is open every second Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lifeworks Hall in Ringwood.

Halcyon and Lifeworks offer drop-in, structured activities and individual support to people aged over 18 who are managing a mental illness and live in the cities of Maroondah and Knox or the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

•             For more information on Eastern Access Community Health visit http://www.each.com.au/.