Later this month, local business owners will have the opportunity to take part in Western Downs Regional Council's Health and Wellbeing for Biz initiative, a roadshow of workshops aimed at breaking down barriers within businesses and building a positive workplace for employees.
In partnership with Bunyarra Wellbeing, Council will deliver health and wellbeing workshops right across the Western Downs, including Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan, offering information, resources and support for local businesses.
Mayor Paul McVeigh, spokesperson for Disaster Management, Economic Development, Internal Audit and Communications and Marketing said Council was dedicated to helping strengthen local businesses, and these wellbeing workshops support that.
"In light of the recent bushfires which directly impacted our region, it's now more important than ever to ensure our residents have access to the support they need, and this includes our local businesses and their employees," Mayor McVeigh said.
"Small businesses are the heart of our local communities, and supporting the health and wellbeing of their owners and employees is vital for ensuring the strength of their enterprises and the local economy.
"By delivering these workshops, we hope to understand the issues and concerns our businesses face, break down barriers which prevent people from talking about tough topics, and ultimately help encourage positive workplaces so both the employees and the business can thrive.
"In the Western Downs, it's the people that make it and these workshops will help ensure that our local businesses have the tools and resources they need to look after their greatest asset, their people."
Bunyarra's Principal Practitioner, Michael Sanford said their vision was to improve the understanding of mental wellbeing and help implement approaches that create positive change within a business.
"At Bunyarra, we partner with organisations to promote a proactive approach to issues around mental health, not wait for individuals to reach crisis before having a conversation," Mr Sanford said.
"The tailored Bunyarra approach is widely recognised for its ability to help increase psychological flexibility within the workplace, achieving positive outcomes for both employees and employers.
"Through education in the workplace, community and personal life, we will open doors and encourage discussion. We aim to dismantle the stigma of mental health issues and move towards a new paradigm of wellbeing."
This initiative was made possible thanks to the assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
