Community Recognition Statement

The floral emblem of NSW, the waratah, is a beautiful flower and has become a symbol of hope and strength in supporting people with mental illness.

Beautiful Minds, an organisation that supports mental health recovery, sells the blooms each October as part of a fundraising initiative, aptly named Waratah Day.

The initiative continues to grow from strength to strength each year, supporting Macarthur’s mental health inpatient facilities Gna Ka Lun, Waratah House and Birunji.

An astounding 2500 flowers over 14 venues were sold this year in support of Waratah Day, with all funds raised set to go back into the community through local inpatient units, facilitating workshops and supporting carers.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in Waratah Day fundraising efforts, particularly the volunteers and the dedicated Beautiful Minds team, led by President Cheryl Paradella.

Waratah Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, help break down the stigma and support people living with a mental illness.

The iconic flowers bring joy and remind us all of the importance of nurturing mind and body because mental health matters.