Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival

Straight off the heels of speaking in Coolah I'm wrapping up this crazy week with a trip to Bellingen to meet up with mum and dad and to talk at the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival. Mum and I were invited there to speak about her book Missing Christopher and our family story behind it along with a broad discussion around youth mental health and suicide prevention. We spoke together on a panel with Prof. Gordon Parker of Black Dog Institute with all kinds of interesting questions from the community about education, support, and understanding.

Mum and Prof. Parker both spoke next day while dad and I slacked off; Prof. Parker on the sub-typing model of depression, and mum on a panel with authors David Roland and Lisa Walker on the subject of 'how to start living again'.

Major bookworms

I always love traveling for my talks particularly when I meet such passionate and interesting people. I REALLY like getting to do some sightseeing where I can. Mostly importantly though I love spending time with my family. It's really special to be able to talk to people together and just to spend time together. It's something I always look forward to.