NSW - Mental Health Boost to Music Industry

Original article published by SafeWork NSW

Australian music leaders will gather today for the first ever Head First conference discussing mental health and wellbeing.

Minister for Small Business and Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said Support Act’s Head First conference will focus on simple steps that music businesses and industry crew can take to support mental health in the workplace.

“After a tough few years for the music industry, the NSW Government is proud to sponsor this inaugural conference shining a light on mentally healthy workplaces,” Ms Petinos said.

“The conference will host musicians, managers, crew and music workers from a range of businesses as they discuss ways to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of their teams at work.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the event will welcome current and future leaders of the music community to prioritise a future where mental health and wellbeing is at the forefront of the industry.

“The Support Act Head First conference aims to help music workers create workplaces that are mentally healthy, focusing on positive ways to reduce stress, conflict, job insecurity and burnout,” Mrs Taylor said.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the conference will help musicians engage with experts on the current and emerging challenges facing the music industry.

“From starting out, to trying to sustain a living, working in the music industry can be a tough gig. The Head First conference will allow those in the industry to network with like-minded individuals and put their wellbeing front and centre,” Mr Franklin said.

NSW businesses in the arts and recreation sector can get free business support from experts to manage work pressures due to workloads, bullying, stress or change.