February 26, 2026On Friday 20 February, the WellAhead program held its its third Open Day at Whittlesea U3A. The day was designed to restore calm and inner balance for anyone navigating a cancer journey, supporting a loved one, or managing mental health challenges.
We began with Qigong, the ancient Chinese practice that harmonises breath and movement to rebalance mind, body, and spirit. It was a fitting way to celebrate Chinese New Year by embracing a tradition that has supported wellbeing for centuries. Our sincere thanks to Mauricio and Belinda from VITA Martial Arts Health and Wellbeing for their generous and ongoing support of the WellAhead program.
Creativity followed, with participants exploring self‑expression through card making, before learning about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing—a simple, practical framework for strengthening mental wellbeing—presented by our own Nicola McKay from the Wellbeing & Recovery, Community Development, Mental Health team.
After lunch, the afternoon invited everyone into deeper stillness. A calming session of guided meditation flowed into gentle Chair Yoga, and the day concluded with a deeply sensorial Sound Bath—a soothing, immersive experience that proved to be the perfect finale.
The WellAhead program, co-designed with consumers, aims at bringing holistic, accessible care to the wider community- not only Northern Health patients. The Open Day, generously funded by a Whittlesea Council Grant, aligns with the City of Whittlesea’s 2040 Vision, supporting social cohesion, health, and active participation.
Montse Becker, a member of the WellAhead exercise group for more than two years, shared her experience:
“I am already a convert and firm believer in the benefit of exercise to help my stage 4 lung cancer. I thoroughly enjoyed the talk on Mental Health by Nicola and the meditation class, as it has motivated me to meditate at home. I also enjoyed the opportunity to experience the Sound Bath. Thank you for organising the Open Day!”
First – timer Steve McCabe, said, ” I am currently recovering from radiation treatment for cancer after having my prostate removed about five years ago. I attended the Qigong class at the WellAhead Open Day and really appreciate the positive experience.”
He added, “It is great to see the holistic approach for all patients to receive support before, during and after treatment. I highly recommend the program to achieve a strong mind, body and spirit.”
Picture shows, from left to right:
Back row: Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Maria Rossi, U3a member, Mike Masilamani, Wellbeing Program, Project Officer, Montse Becker, U3a and WellAhead member, Angela Georgalas, Genesis Care.
Front row: Romy Paltoglou, Sound Healing Melbourne, Victoria Wilson, Buddhist Chaplain.
