A local MP has lauded the fundraising efforts of not-for-profit organisation Beautiful Minds Macarthur.
Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong paid tribute to the organisation at its 20th anniversary event in Ingleburn RSL Club earlier this month.
The event also honoured the memory of the late local mental health advocate, Sandra McDonald, who sadly passed away in August 2024.
Ms McDonald was a founding member of Beautiful Minds and president for 14 years.
Current president Cheryl Paradella, pictured above with Mr Chanthivong, announced that Beautiful Minds Macarthur had raised $60,000 for improvements to mental health units at Liverpool Hospital.
The funds would be used to make the mental health units more homely and less clinical through the purchase of artwork, furniture, plants and shade.
An additional $20,000 has been raised for improvements to the mental health units at Campbelltown Hospital.
Mr Chanthivong said all the funds had been raised by Beautiful Minds Macarthur’s dedicated volunteers.
“This is an extraordinary effort by a committed group of individuals who care deeply about improving the lives and quality of care of those living with mental illness,’’ he said.
“On behalf of our community, I thank Beautiful Minds Macarthur and its dedicated volunteers and congratulate them on this achievement.
“I would particularly like to thank president Cheryl Paradella for leading the way on this generous contribution, and her extensive work with NSW Health to achieve this fantastic outcome,” Mr Chanthivong said.
Ms Paradella said the improvements to the mental health units would be welcomed.
“Volunteers from Beautiful Minds Macarthur have worked extremely hard to raise these funds, and we are delighted that NSW Health will direct the funds to much-needed improvements to mental health units at Liverpool and Campbelltown hospitals,” Ms Paradella said.
“It’s a wonderful way to mark Beautiful Minds Macarthur’s 20-year anniversary and continue our legacy of helping people with mental illness be valued, respected and treated with dignity.
“An important opportunity during Mental Health Month to demonstrate that mental health matters,” she said.
