March breaks barriers

THE MIDDWAY Alliance Walk and Festival was held at Dandenong Park yesterday (Wednesday).
The annual event was organised by the Eastern Region Mental Health Association (ERMHA) and aimed to break down the barriers surrounding mental illness and improve community understanding about mental health.
Peter Rowsthorn, star of the ABC television show Kath and Kim, was master of ceremonies and introduced performances from the Bunnerong Aboriginal community and the Jindiwarrabak dancers.
Neighbours actor Mark Rafferty also attended and speakers for the 2005 event included state Parliamentary Secretary for Health Daniel Andrews, CEO of ERMHA and chair of the MIDDWAY alliance Peter Waters and Greater Dandenong mayor Maria Sampey.
Maori songs and an energetic Haka kicked off the 1.5 kilometre walk.