Support Act has appointed First Nations artist, Mitch Tambo, as its first Cultural and Inclusion Ambassador.

Mitch has been working with the charity for the past few months, including as a co-host on its new series of On My Mind mental health talks specifically for First Nations artists, artist managers, crew and music workers – Yarning Strong.

The free, online talks delve into numerous issues affecting mental health in the music industry today, from music as healing and an expression of storytelling to the effects of intergenerational trauma, depression and how it can lead to self-harm and suicide.

As a qualified social worker, Mitch will also be assisting the social work team in assessing and responding to applications for Crisis Relief Grants.

Mitch explains: “I am really excited to be aligning myself with an organisation like Support Act to become their first Cultural and Inclusion Ambassador. 

“I have witnessed first-hand the support and love they have offered First Nations artists over the duration of two years of lockdowns, along with providing safe space to open up the conversation around mental health, identity, culture and navigating the online space. 

“For me personally, to be taking on a role that aligns completely with what I represent really excites me.”

Mitch will be working alongside Support Act’s First Nations Community Engagement and Social Worker, Cerisa Grant, who joined the organisation in 2020.

Cerisa adds: “Mitch coming onboard couldn’t have come at a better time. As we work to support more First Nations people in the music industry, we want to ensure we’re creating a safe cultural space and a place where our service users feel comfortable. 

“Mitch will be an amazing addition to the team coming from a background in social work himself and as an artist.”

The next Yarning Strong – Mental Health and Traditional/Cultural Healing, will be held at 7.30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 15 December and will be the last dedicated First Nations session for the year.

Hosted by Mitch Tambo and Cerisa Grant with guests Mau Power, Baden Hitchcock and Jedison Wells, the session will focus on traditional/cultural healing techniques such as Wayapa, Dadirri and other healings for First Nations people. There will also be a short Wayapa session after the discussion. 

For further information and tickets, visit Eventbrite.