Lion has returned to the Armatree Hotel, launching a community program in support of mental health, in collaboration with Gotcha4Life.
A special free Christmas Dinner for held for the local community at the Armatree Hotel on 1 December, welcoming Gus Worland, founder of Gotcha4Life, as special guest host for the evening.
A new collaboration with Gus Worland’s foundation was announced by Lion last month, to engage, educate and empower regional communities through mental fitness programs at country pubs and clubs across Australia.
The programs will be delivered by partners Tomorrow Man, Tomorrow Woman and Man Anchor, and provide participants access to training and tools to help build mental fitness. They will be equipped with skills to start meaningful conversations, and be empowered to help others confidently and safely with mental health support.
These programs will be rolled out to participating Lion venues and their teams, as well as the communities they serve.
Referencing the extended lockdowns and the isolation suffered by many, particularly in the bush, Worland furthered the fact that the local is a pillar of society.
“Life on the land is tough and we know that the suicide rate in the bush is higher, per capita, than in the cities.
“That’s why it’s so important to re-connect people with their local communities, and the pub is the perfect place to do this as it’s a natural meeting place.”
In 2018 Lion commissioned and published a major study that looked at the psychological and social benefits of having a ‘local’.
The results found people with a local bar, pub or club are more likely to be satisfied with their life, and have broader friendship and support networks.
It concluded that level of happiness is directly linked to being social and interacting with others, and that ‘the local’ is an important way for many people to do this.
Lion chose the award-winning Armatree – voted AHA NSW Best Bush Pub in 2018 and 2019 – for its Beers for the Bush Christmas dinner in 2018.
The new program follows that success, at a pub renowned for its country hospitality, which was also recently the first COVID-19 vaccination hub at a pub in the country.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the very first session with Gus Worland as part of Lion’s initiative with Gotcha4Life and I know we will all be able to benefit from the lessons Gus and his team have to share,” offers Ash Walker, who owns and operates the Armatree with his wife Libby.
“We’re grateful to be recognised for the important role we play in building mental fitness in the community.”
