Just like a number of businesses around the Taree central business district, staff at Michael Kent Pharmacy in Victoria Street will be wearing hats with pride as they celebrate Rotary Hat Day and do their bit for this important cause.

The Manning community, be it businesses, workplaces, schools or individuals, are encouraged to get involved in the fundraising and awareness day, organised by Australian Rotary Health.

More than four million people are affected by mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and bipolar disorder at some point during their lives.

Not only does mental illness affect the quality of life of these Australians, but it also represents a huge cost to families, communities and the economy.

Studies report the cost to the Australian community from suicide alone to be around $12 billion each year.

Help Rotary help the Taree community by getting involved and encourage friends, family, the people who live in your street or work with to "raise your hat to mental health".

Remember, mental health is not something you want to keep under your hat.

If you would like to organise an event in your school, workplace or local community you can register your event by visiting the Hat Day website www.hatday.com.au

Donatio ns to Australia Rotary Health would be most welcome.

A table will be set up at Taree City Centre (it will also be Schizophrenia Awareness Week) in conjunction with Carer Assist, to give the public more information.

To find out more about Hat Day, or to make a donation, please call the Australian Rotary Health office on (02) 8837 1900 or email admin@australianrotaryhealth.org. au

Local Hat Day contacts are Karenne Norling, Taree Rotary, 6551 0899; Dusty Walkom, Taree on Manning Rotary; 6551 2674, Beth Fuller, Taree North Rotary on 6553 1804 or email beth@tsn.cc for information on local mental health promotion.