They began by partnering with the Black Dog Institute, recruiting volunteer speaker Dale Skinner to open up about his personal experiences with bipolar disorder to a group of Griffith locals.

"I've been speaking for eight years now, initially there is some hesitation about opening up your own life, but not anymore," Skinner explained.

"The reward outweighs the risk, by me sharing my story, it impacts and empowers other people."

According to research conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately one in five Australians between the ages of 16 and 85 will experience a mental health related illness, in any given year.

Regional manager at the Personnel Group, Melanie Norris, aims to help that 20 percent who are suffering.

The Personnel Group is a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in providing support for individuals with disability, injury or a mental health condition. They assist them with finding employment where they will flourish and thrive.

"Probably 80 percent of our work load is disability cases, and as mental health is classified as a disability, our time is spent helping those who need it most," Norris told The Area News.

"We've helped 102 people into employment from July through to September, and we achieve that kind of number every quarter."

Open invitational events like this are key to removing the stigma that surrounds mental health according to event organisers.

Tracey Fraser, Personnel Group CEO, said the events aim to build awareness of mental health, and show what support is available for local employers.

"Mental health issues can affect a person on many different levels, and as employers it is important to understand and explore the right supports within the workplace," she said.

"On a daily basis, the team at the Personnel Group support people with a mental health condition and witness how their illness impacts their life and ability to work.

"Mental health is nearly on par with physical disability when it comes to barriers our jobseekers experience."

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