• Charles Sturt University and local groups to support early childhood educators in the Bathurst region
• The event will showcase the ‘Be You Beyond Blue’ program, which promotes mental health and involves the whole early learning service or school community
• Event will also examine opportunities to establish a Central West Chapter of Early Childhood Australia

Senior Lecturer in the Charles Sturt School of Teacher Education Dr Tamara Cumming said the Be You Early Childhood Educator Professional Development and Wellbeing Night will be held at Charles Sturt in Bathurst on Wednesday 19 February from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Dr Cumming said, “The registration for this event is free, and the keynote speaker is Dr Kathryn Hopps, a Charles Sturt alumna, who will talk about the ‘Be You Beyond Blue’ program.

“Be You is a national mental health initiative which aims to grow a mentally healthy generation of Australians.

“The most effective approach to mental health promotion is one that involves the whole early learning service or school community – including leaders, educators, children, and families.

“Dr Hopps’ presentation will outline Be You Essentials and showcase key information related to a whole-learning-community approach to mental health and wellbeing.

“This session will introduce the range of Be You professional learning tools and resources, and a consultant support will be available for services wanting to have an impact on the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of a generation of children and young people.”

Chair of Bathurst Child and Family Network Ms Annette Meyers said, “This is the second in a series of events for early childhood educators in the Bathurst region, and follows on from the feedback and requests for further professional development during the previous event held in October.

“This event aims to provide an information session and introduce professional development available to early childhood educators through the online Be You initiative, as well as discuss opportunities to establish a Central West Chapter of Early Childhood Australia.”

The Be You Early Childhood Educator Professional Development and Wellbeing Night will be held from 6.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday 19 February, in room 104 building 1432, at Charles Sturt in Bathurst.

For more information or to register, please contact Ms Annette Meyers, Facilitator, BELS and Chair Bathurst Child and Family Network on (02) 6331 8944 or annette@centacarebathurst.com.au