Our first guest speaker on the Bendigo Business Stories podcast is Jeremy Forbes, a proud Bendigo native with a remarkable mission.

In 2013, Jeremy co-founded Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT), a national grass-roots suicide prevention charity that champions the wellbeing of tradies and blue-collar workers. His passion for making a difference has propelled him onto the global stage, where he delivered a powerful TED talk, spreading awareness about mental health and suicide prevention far beyond our borders.

While HALT’s talks have resonated in Melbourne, interstate and regional areas, Jeremy is eager to bring more of this vital conversation back to his hometown, Bendigo. He's committed to breaking down the barriers of shame and stigma, encouraging everyone to reach out and seek help when needed.

But there is more to Jeremy than his incredible work. He currently calls Castlemaine home, where he enjoys the company of his cat, Maggie. His interests span from invigorating hikes to artistic shed and landscape painting, delving into history, and supporting the Collingwood Football Club.

In this insightful conversation with Jeremy and our host Kimberley Furness, we delve into mental health, community building, and real-life conversations.

This episode includes discussions about suicide, a topic we approach with sensitivity and care. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline like Lifeline. If it’s hard to talk, Lifeline also have a text service from 6.00pm until midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.

Call 13 11 14 - available 24/7 or visit the Lifeline website.

ABOUT HOST KIMBERLEY FURNESS

Kimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcast A Friend of Mine.

ABOUT BE.BENDIGO

Every successful community has a strong and growing business community.

Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.

Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.