By Dongyun Kwon
After overcoming severe mental illness, Chirnside Park resident Marcus Reeves has put on a car and bike show She Won’t Be Right Mate (SWBRM) to support people who are going through a similar experience he had.
Now its fourth time, SWBRM is going to focus more on mental health this time, inviting mental health and well-being services to the venue to connect people with mental issues with the suitable organisations on the spot.
Event organiser Marcus Reeves said SWBRM this year has the same aim from the previous ones, fundraising for Eastern Health while enjoying a day with fun activities.
“We have headspace, EACH, Bloke Psychology, Australian Defence Force Soldier On present and there are another one or two services just in case anyone needs any information or they’re not sure where to go to have a chat,” he said.
“We’ve got similar activities again this time, we’ve got face painting, petting zoo, jumping castle, Becky Bubble show.
“We’ve also got racing car simulators, remote control racing cars and slot cars, handball and basketball competition.”
There will be also a live band performance, giveaways and raffles as well as some sports stars, former Richmond AFL player Dale Weightman and former Australian boxer Barry Michael, coming up.
The last three SWBRMs went successfully with the increased amount of donations each time.
The first one ended up having about 150 cars along with about 1500 people and raising $11,000 throughout the day, which proceeded to Eastern Health to get gym equipment for patients to exercise.
The second event attracted approximately 280 cars and 3000 people along with raising $18,000 which went towards an Eastern Health program, called FaPMI (Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness), to improve support for parents and carers, children, young people and families including helping 16 families get a weekend retreat in Balnarring.
Despite unlucky weather and a few other things, Mr Reeves said the event was still able to raise $25,000 last year.
“Last year’s donation went similar to the first year, went to upgrading facilities in the mental health inpatient ward, they were able to purchase an area for families to be in and get artwork painted. They were able to upgrade some furniture,” the event organiser said.
“This year’s target is $30,000. My goal is to do a similar crossover to what we did with FaPMI, where we can send families or people away.
“I’d love to try and fund people’s psychologist appointments through Eastern Health.”
His hard work has been recognised as he has been nominated as a finalist for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award in the 2024 Victoria Community Achievement Awards.
Mr Reeves said he is grateful for being a finalist in the award.
“I do this event in the hope it can help someone who is going down a similar path to what I did in 2019,” he said.
“There are so many people out there doing great things, and many nominated in the same categories as ours who are all deserving.
“I prefer to be in the shadows, but [I’d be happy to come out from the shadows] if being nominated can help bring more awareness and help a young kid, parent or partner see it’s OK to have our bad days, there is help out there and life can be a wonderful place once you come out of the rip dragging you back down into the bottom of the ocean.”
SWBRM is free entry for kids under 12 but $10 for adults and car entry.
It will be held at Yarra Glen Racecourse from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 23 November.
The tickets can be purchasable at the event or at the following website, eventbrite.com.au/e/she-wont-be-right-mate-car-show-and-family-day-tickets-836939718227
To vote for Mr Reeves for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, please visit awardsaustralia.app.do/2024-community-achievement-awards-for-victoria
The vote can be done multiple times with a condition of one vote per day.
