Resilience, recovery and mental wellbeing will be the topic of conversation at a four-date speaking and dinner tour planned for September.
The Silence Isn’t Always Golden event will see Trademutt’s TIACS (This Is a Conversation Starter) service and former Australian Special Forces (SAS) operator Daniel Cooper join Bundaberg Regional Council to deliver a series of free community events focused on mental health, resilience, recovery and preparedness.
The tour has been designed with the Bundaberg Region in mind, recognising the significant challenges local communities have faced through bushfires, floods, storms and other disasters in recent years.
From Gin Gin and Bundaberg to Childers and Woodgate, residents will have the opportunity to hear from people with lived experience of adversity and learn practical strategies for navigating life’s tougher moments.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the events were an opportunity to acknowledge the strength already shown by communities across the region while helping people build resilience for whatever challenges may come next.
“Our residents have shown incredible strength and resilience through some very difficult times, particularly in the face of repeated natural disasters such as floods and bushfires,” she said.
“Being resilient doesn’t mean having to cope with everything on your own.
“These events provide an opportunity for people to hear from others who have experienced adversity, learn some practical strategies and, importantly, start a conversation.”
About the speakers
Dr Daniel Cooper PhD Psychophysiology
Former SAS operator Daniel Cooper is a multi-disciplinary human performance and behaviour specialist who focuses on improving individual and team performance in high-pressure, high consequence environments.
Daniel provides a unique perspective that sits at the intersection of real-world experience, academic research and high-performance development.
TradeMutt TIACS
TIACS is the home of blue-collar counselling, a free, professional and confidential mental health counselling service for tradies, truckies, farmers, apprentices, blue-collar workers and their loved ones, Australia-wide.
TIACS removes the physical, financial and social barriers that stop people reaching out, no referrals, no waitlists and no judgement, with the same counsellor from someone’s first session to their last.
Event dates
The four events will be held in:
Gin Gin
When: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre
Bundaberg
When: Friday,18 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Burnett Riverside Hotel – Burnett Room
Childers
When: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Isis Cultural Community Centre
Woodgate
When: Friday, 25 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Woodgate Community Hall
A light dinner and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided at each venue.
Tickets are free but bookings are essential.
To reserve your spot, go to https://aubundaberg.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/168102
Assistance for these events has been provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
