newy.com.au – A free mental health expo and a community foreshore walk will bring local support services and entertainment to Warners Bay on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
The Wellness Expo and Walk for Mental Health will run from 8.30am to 2pm at Warners Bay Foreshore Reserve. Entry to the expo is free, while early-bird registration for the walk is $20 a person, with a pay-what-you-can option.
One Door Mental Health and Mind Australia are hosting the event in partnership with The Suicide Prevention Network during Mental Health Month. Organisers say the day aims to reduce stigma and help residents across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter connect with local support.
The walk covers 3.2km from the reserve to Lions Park and back, with a 1.6km one-way option. Organisers say it is designed for people of all abilities, with seating along the route for rest breaks and volunteers available to assist.
“Directly or indirectly, mental health is something that affects all of us throughout our lives. Looking after our mental health is something we can all play a part in, and connecting with others can make a real difference,” One Door Mental Health chief operating officer Kinga Barron said.
Local mental health and wellbeing providers will offer information and resources at the expo, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about services in their community.
The program also includes a storytelling tent, drumming and dancing with Earthen Rhythms, entertainment from Rely-Ability, raffles and a chill-out zone.
People can register for the walk individually or as part of a team with family, friends, colleagues or a community group. Participants can also choose to fundraise to support people experiencing mental health challenges.
Walk registration is available through One Door Mental Health, with the early-bird fee including a Wellness Walk cap and drink bottle.
