In early 2016, Entertainment Assist released significant research findings on the high rates of mental illness and suicide for workers in the Australian entertainment industry. Sadly, this report reflected other research findings and what many working in the industry already knew from personal experience.

“We can do better,” says Deborah Mailman who commits “not just to getting on with the show but to getting our performing arts and screen industry better.”

The award-winning Australian television and film actress has recorded a special video message in support of the event. Other speakers involved in the conference include Fay Jackson, Deputy Commissioner of NSW Mental Health, Marie Jepson of the Jepson Foundation, and Susan Cooper from Entertainment Assist who will speak about the new national initiative Australian Alliance for Wellness in Entertainment (AAWE).

Lex Marinos will MC the day’s program that includes a NSW sector roundtable led by Entertainment Assist and Everymind to identify AAWE priorities. The summit also includes panels, workshops, as well as practical and inspiring examples of industry and individual approaches to improving wellbeing. It’s a day designed for the sector and those who support them to come together, learn from one another and determine a better future.

“The tyranny of production schedules, low incomes and job security, limited access to support resources, drug and alcohol abuse, isolation and intense competition are aspects of our ‘glamorous industry’ that are often endured in silence and even secrecy,” concludes Mailman. “We can no longer ignore the cost.”