Many towns and suburbs in New South Wales and Queensland have had a visit from the Rotary Health Safari. The Northern Territory and Western Australia are next on the list.

The tour is a project run by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) in conjunction with the national depression initiative beyondblue.

The Rotary clubs along the way have hung out the welcome mat for the Safari team of Rotarians and volunteers as they stop off to raise awareness of the importance of mental health as part of their six-month tour around Australia.

Clubs have held a variety of activities to draw attention to the display and the interactive computer display in the rear of the Winnebago.
Sausage sizzles, barbecues and displays have proved great ideas to attract people to the Safari vehicle.

When placed adjacent to crossings and pedestrian entries to shopping centres and supermarkets people have had easy access to the van.
Mental Awareness Forums have been a great supplement to the arrival of the Winnebago, especially when held the night before the display is set up. Another surprise is the interest that high schools have shown in bringing students to visit and you can imagine the attraction of the computers and the depression and anxiety checks.

Rotary Health Safari Co-ordinator John Flower, who is spending nearly six months on the road, is doing a wonderful job of getting media attention before the Safari arrives in town.

He has lost track of the number of press releases sent out and the radio and television interviews he has given.

John Flower stresses that education is an important way of reducing the stigma connected with mental illness.

‘‘It's amazing how many people are somehow connected to mental illness and depression," John Flower said.

‘‘If it's not ourselves who get depressed then it is a relative or someone we know.” A television screen on the side of the Winnebago shows interviews with various celebrities who have had depression such as actor Garry McDonald. Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett also speaks of his interest in depression.

John Flower has also been the featured speaker at Rotary club meetings along the way and brings a light touch to improving Rotarians’ knowledge of ARHRF and its programs and activities.

beyondblue Chief Executive Officer Leonie Young has said Rotary and beyondblue made a great team.

"This is an exciting way to reach people in communities across Australia," she said. "The Health Safari will raise awareness of depression and anxiety and help to reduce the stigma associated with the illness."