Hundreds of runners and walkers were met by a different kind of support at local parkruns during October, as Wide Bay Mental Health and Specialised Services (WBMHSS) organised volunteer “takeovers” to challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Organised in support of Mental Health Week (3 -11 October) the parkrun takeovers were held in Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Bargara, Elliott Heads and Gayndah.
WBMHSS Service Integration Coordinator Jade law said parkrun was a great embodiment of the Mental Health Week theme, Build Community, Build Wellbeing.
“Parkrun encourages people to find a community through regular exercise, which is great both for physical and mental wellbeing,” Jade said.
“When parkrunning, people are getting outdoors and moving, connecting with others in a safe and positive space, supporting and encouraging each other, and celebrating each other’s milestones and achievements. All these things help to protect our wellbeing.
“Mental Health Week is also about reminding people that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. Each of us can play a part in reducing stigma, offering kindness, and making sure no one feels alone.”
WBMHSS staff also took the opportunity to set up information displays for the runners and promote Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service mental health crisis support spaces such as The Oasis on the Fraser Coast and The Lighthouse in Bundaberg.
WBMHSS Acting Service Development Manager Christina Ongley said the parkruns were just a few of the many Mental Health Week activities organised by the WBMHSS team.
“Mental Health Week 2026 gave us another opportunity to bring people together and promote the importance of taking care of our mental wellbeing, which is just as important for our own workforce as it is for our community,” she said.
“I want to thank all our WBMHSS team members who gave up their time for Mental Health Week – whether it was to hand over a hot dog, pop on a parkrun volunteer jacket or wheel a wellness trolley over to a colleague working night shift.
“All those efforts made a difference to our co-workers and community.”
In particular, Christina highlighted the efforts of Consumer Engagement Facilitator Georgina Moshudis and Executive Assistant Alex Walter, who were the driving forces behind organising activities and coordinating teams’ involvement in them.
WBMHSS Service Integration Coordinator Jade Law (left) with team members at the Bundaberg parkrun.