Free Townsville events put mental health in focus

The Margaret Roderick Centre for Mental Health Research (MRCMHR) at James Cook University is opening its doors to the community this October, hosting a series of free events designed to share knowledge, build skills, and spark conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

JCU Professor Zoltan Sarnyai, Head of the Centre, said the events come at a crucial time for regional communities.

“Our community is facing a number of significant challenges affecting our mental health,” Prof. Sarnyai said.

“There is a keen interest to learn more about how we can deal better with such challenges.”

The program will bring world-class speakers to Townsville and create opportunities for the community to connect with experts.

The series begins with a public lecture on 10 October at JCU by world-renowned science communicator and Fellow at the University of Cambridge, Dr Hannah Critchlow. Her talk Learning to Flourish will explore the science of learning and its powerful role in mental health.

“Understanding how we learn, how learning supports mental wellbeing, and how we can boost our mental powers will be among the important take-home messages,” Prof. Sarnyai said.

“Dr Critchlow will electrify your mind, open your perception and explore the depths of your memory. Delivered as an interactive session, community attendees can learn practical skills to help us all make better decisions and thrive.”

On 15 October, the Centre partners with St James’ Cathedral to deliver the Community Mental Health Forum, featuring a keynote by Prof. Sarnyai, alongside a community panel and open Q&A.

“The Community Mental Health Forum will focus not only on what the research in mental health tells us, but also insights from our own community, including those with lived experiences,” he said.

The final event on 17 October at Cowboys HQ will feature Prof. Andrew McKune from the Australian Institute of Sport. His talk will highlight the link between movement and mental health.

“Professor McKune will explain how exercise, physical activity and sport can control stress and how we can improve mental wellbeing by taking advantage of our body's own machinery,” Prof. Sarnyai said.

“Whether you're a community member, an athlete, or a health professional, this session will offer practical insights into how movement can support mental wellness.”

Professor Sarnyai emphasised that all three events are free to attend.

“We are celebrating mental health, and we hope these events can improve our community's skills and knowledge, reduce stigma, and get conversations and connections around mental health started within our regional community and beyond.”

For information regarding these events, please email the Centre at MRCMHR@jcu.edu.au. You can register for the public talks directly using the links below.

Event Details

• MRCMHR Public Lecture ‘Learning to Flourish’ 
  10 October 2025, 5:30pm, JCU Bebegu Yumba campus, Townsville. 
  Speaker: Dr Hannah Critchlow. 
  In-person & Zoom. 
  Registration required.

• MRCMHR x St James’ Cathedral Community Mental Health Forum
  15 October 2025, 6pm, St James Cathedral, Townsville. 
  In-person only, no registration.

• MRCMHR Community Event and Talk 17 October 2025, 6pm, Cowboys HQ, Townsville. 
  Speaker: Professor Andrew McKune. 
  In-person only, registration required.