Colourful event highlights mental health

Marie Marland Oval was bursting with colour at the weekend as children turned up in the hundreds for the 2017 Colour Dash.

The event is held to raise vital awareness of youth mental health while encouraging young people in the Hedland community to come together in friendly spirit.

Giant obstacle courses, water pools and a DJ set were just some of the activities that kept children entertained.

Hockeyroo and R U OK ambassador Ashleigh Nelson said it was great to see a large crowd turn out to raise awareness of an important cause in a colourful environment.

“A lot of people tend to think that mental health is just for adults but the word needs to the younger kids to have that conversation,” she said.

“It’s nice that the message gets across to all the kids of all ages and all ethnicities as well.

“Sometimes with mental illness it’s all doom and gloom... but really we’re celebrating mental health and kids being happy and that’s what it’s all about.”