Community invited to When the Dust Settles - a night of connection and conversation

The free community event will celebrate the creativity, passion and perspectives of young people aged 14 to 25 from across Greater Shepparton. It will feature a premiere of short films created as part of the Frame the Future Film Festival, which encouraged local young people to explore public health and social issues through the art of filmmaking.

The films reflect the themes of identity, connection, inclusion and wellbeing, offering a powerful insight into the experiences and ideas shaping the region’s youth. Each film was developed with mentorship from local creatives and aims to inspire community dialogue through storytelling and shared experience.

Following the youth film showcase, audiences will experience a screening of When the Dust Settles, a documentary by The Outback Mind Foundation that examines the impact of male suicide in regional communities. The film captures the voices of men, families and advocates working to reduce stigma and support mental health across rural Australia.

The evening will also include a keynote from guest speaker Warren Davies - The Unbreakable Farmer, one of Australia’s leading voices on rural resilience and mental health. Drawing on his lived experience as a farmer and community leader, Warren shares a powerful story of overcoming adversity, inspiring audiences to stay connected and support one another through life’s challenges.

A Q&A session with Warren Davis and The Outback Mind Foundation Founder, Aaron Schultz, will also provide guests with the opportunity to explore themes from the film.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the event provides an important opportunity for young people and the broader community to share, reflect and connect.

“The Youth Film Showcase features the premiere of films developed through the Frame the Future Film Festival, highlighting the incredible creativity of young people in our region and their ability to use storytelling to start meaningful conversations,” he said.

“By pairing this with When the Dust Settles, and through collaboration with VicHealth and The Outback Mind Foundation, we’ve been able to create an event that celebrates creativity while also shining a light on mental health and wellbeing.”

Mr Schultz, said partnering with Greater Shepparton City Council on the event helps bring vital conversations about mental health to regional communities.

“When the Dust Settles was created to encourage honest discussions around men’s mental health and to highlight the strength that exists in sharing our stories,” he said.

“It’s inspiring to see the next generation of storytellers using film to express what matters to them. Events like this help reduce stigma, build connection and remind us that regional communities can play a leading role in changing the conversation around mental health.”

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Time:00pm to 8.00pm
Location: Village Cinemas Shepparton, 9/13 Stewart St, Shepparton VIC 3630
Cost: Free – bookings essential at shepp.city/wtds

Please note that there are limited spots available, so attendees are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out.

This initiative is proudly supported by VicHealth, empowering local governments and young people to work together to create healthier, more connected communities.

For more information, please contact Council’s Healthy Communities Officer on 03 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au