Caltowie COFU  isn’t just a music festival… it also spreads the message about mental health in regional South Australia. Every year, proceeds from ticket sales go back into the community. Take a look at these great initiatives to date:

• Financial support of ‘The Resilience Project’ in our local schools (JCS 3 years, St James 2 years).

• Financial support for the ‘Growing With Gratitude’ program at Gladstone High School.

• Forming the ‘Secret Men’s Business’ group, offering peer support for local men regarding mental health.

• Mental Health First Aid Course for local community members in different spheres of influence.

• REACH mental health first aid training for senior school students (over 16) at our local high school.

• $7000 donation to the Apex Foundation for other Apex clubs to pursue mental health projects.

• Financial support for guest speaker appearances by Mary O’Brien of ‘Are You Bogged Mate’ and Nathan Bolton of Bolton Brothers Psychology (an Afghanistan veteran).

• Sponsoring a ‘Chats Over Charcoal’ Men’s Mental Wellness afternoon put together by the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and ‘I’m Not Afraid To Speak’ groups.

• $2000 donation to the ‘Fly Like A Feather For PTSD In First Responders’ charity, assisting first responders’ mental well-being.

• $2000 donation to the Mid North Suicide Prevention Network for further guest speaker appearances.

• $1000 donation to the ‘Push Up Challenge’ on behalf of past club president Ben Lehmann, who did 3139 push-ups in 24 days, raising awareness for mental health (money raised went to Lifeline).

• $3000 donation to establish a new electric BBQ for the community at the Bundaleer Forest picnic and playground area.