The high tea was hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie at Rydges and overlooked the gorgeous breakwall.

The high tea was held to raise money for mental health awareness and forms part of Australian Rotary Health’s goal to lift the lid on mental illness.

Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is a national mental health fundraising and awareness initiative of Australian Rotary Health that aims to raise funds for mental health research and ultimately improve the lives of all Australians. 

Organiser of the day Sam Openshaw said she was very happy with how the day turned out.

“We had almost 100 people for afternoon tea and I think we will raise well over $2000 for such an important cause which is amazing,” Ms Openshaw said.

“It was great to see so many people in hats and taking part in the high tea with lots of raffle prizes and an auction.”

Ms Openshaw said raising awareness for mental health is an issue very close to her heart.

“As a mum you want to help your children and after my son experienced his first mental health issue over 20 years ago I decided to make it my mission to help others experiencing mental health illnesses,” Ms Openshaw said.

“Since then I have raised money for mental health research as well as set up a support group for families and carers of those living with mental health difficulties in the Hastings and this High Tea is just another way we can help raise much needed funds.

“The money raised during today will go directly to research helping the one in five Australians affected by depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and many other illnesses,” ”