Uplift Queensland is coming to Brisbane - and it's free.

Uplift Queensland is a statewide AOD primary prevention and creative wellbeing initiative funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and delivered by Hey Mate. We're bringing 10 free community workshops to regional and metropolitan Queensland, and this is our Townsville launch.

What to expect

This is a practical and interactive workshop designed for Queensland’s creative community. Through guided conversations and activities, we’ll explore wellbeing, alcohol and other drug literacy, and ways we can better support ourselves and one another across the creative industries.

Who it’s for

This workshop is for artists, creatives, freelancers, arts workers and anyone working across Queensland’s creative industries. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience - just a willingness to take part in the conversation.

You’ll leave with:

practical strategies to support your wellbeing

more confidence talking about alcohol and other drugs

a better understanding of support options and pathways

new connections within the creative community

ideas for supporting wellbeing in your own creative networks

About the workshop

This is a 3-hour facilitated workshop designed to feel like a genuine community gathering - not a lecture, not a clinical training, not a conference. It's a space for people working in and around Queensland's arts, creative and community sectors to come together, build knowledge, and have real conversations about alcohol and other drugs.

You'll leave with practical tools, a stronger understanding of AOD literacy and harm reduction in creative contexts, and connections with others doing similar work across the state.

What we'll cover

AOD literacy and harm prevention in creative contexts

Reducing stigma and building safer conversations in your community

Creating space for lived and living experience — authentic voice and peer connection

Burnout prevention and sustainable creative practice

Practical wellbeing tools and community capacity building

What to bring

Yourself

An open mind

Something to take notes with if you like — though we'll have materials on the day

Any access needs — please let us know in advance so we can make sure the space works for you

Accessibility

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts at 408 Flinders Street, Townsville City, provides wheelchair access via a ramp at the front entrance of the gallery. Please note that the venue’s toilets are located downstairs and are only accessible via stairs. Public toilets are available across the road at City Lane and include ambulant facilities.

For visitors with specific accessibility requirements, please contact the venue ahead of the event to discuss available access arrangements.

Getting there

The workshop will be held at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, located at 408 Flinders Street, Townsville City, QLD 4810.

Paid parking is available in the Townsville city centre. Free parking is also available on Dean Street, approximately a 10-minute walk from the venue.

The Townsville Bus Hub is located directly behind the venue on Ogden Street, providing convenient access via local bus services.

Please note that the event will take place in the gallery outside of regular business hours, with exhibitions on display during the workshop. Entry and venue directions will be confirmed closer to the event.

For venue enquiries, contact Amanda on (07) 4772 7109

About Hey Mate

Hey Mate is a social impact organisation working at the intersection of community wellbeing, creative industries and peer connection. We design and deliver programs that build capacity, reduce harm and strengthen communities — with and for the people who need them most. theheymateproject.org

About Uplift Queensland

Uplift Queensland is funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and delivered by Hey Mate across 10 locations in regional and metropolitan Queensland from August to November 2026. The program combines workshops, lived experience engagement, a digital AOD literacy resource (the Uplift Guide), and a statewide storytelling and awareness campaign. Hey Mate acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Queensland on which this project is delivered and pays respect to Elders past and present.

Questions?

hello@heymateproject.org · theheymateproject.org

Schedule / agenda

Time

9:00 am

Doors open — facilitators and crew arrive

9:30 am

Attendees arrive, welcome and workshop commences

10:30 am

Morning tea (provided)

1:00 pm

Workshop concludes