Benalla Rural City Council is proud to celebrate the success of the Small Town Sing fundraiser, held during the Benalla Festival. Organised by local champions Adam Toms and Catherine Burton, the event brought together over 120 attendees for a night of music, connection, and community spirit. Together, they raised an impressive $1,230 to support the Live4Life Benalla program.
Live4Life Benalla is a whole-of-community youth suicide prevention model that has been making a significant impact since its introduction in 2017. The program aims to increase mental health knowledge among Year 8 and Year 10 students through Teen Mental Health First Aid training, while also providing Youth Mental Health First Aid training for teachers, parents, and carers. By reducing barriers to seeking help, increasing awareness of local professional support, and decreasing stigma, Live4Life is building resilience and improving mental health outcomes across the community.
Since its inception, over 1,700 young people have received Teen Mental Health First Aid training, and more than 200 adults have completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
The program is delivered in partnership with local schools, community organisations, and agencies, including Benalla P-12 College, FCJ College Benalla, Australian Christian College – Hume, and others.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn praised the Small Town Sing’s support of the Live4Life program, saying “This is a wonderful example of our community coming together to support our young people. Adam and Catherine’s dedication to Live4Life Benalla since its inception in 2017 has been truly inspiring. Their efforts are making a real difference in the lives of our youth and their families.”
Adam Toms, a Teen Mental Health First Aid trainer, and Catherine Burton, a long-time supporter of the program, have been instrumental in its success. Catherine and Adam have worked closely with the Live4Life Crew, a group of motivated young people who assist in delivering the program in schools and advocate for youth mental health. Their passion and commitment to youth mental health have been a driving force behind the program’s impact in Benalla.
The event’s success highlights the power of community collaboration.
“It’s because of the generosity of our community that we can continue to deliver these life-changing programs,” said Cr Hearn.
“We’re so grateful to Adam, Catherine, and everyone who attended Small Town Sing for their incredible support.”
For more information about Live4Life Benalla or to get involved, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au or call Council on 03 5760 2600.