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An Evening of Honor: Celebrating Dr. Francis Acquah’s Order of Australia Appointment and Philanthropic Impact

Celebrating Dr. Francis Acquah: An Evening of Honor and Philanthropy

You’re cordially invited to an evening of honour and philanthropy as we celebrate Dr Francis Acquah AM, whose appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia stands as a testament to his exemplary service in the realms of mental health and community support. Join us on this special occasion:

📅 Date: Saturday, 11 May 2024
⏰ Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
📍 Venue: Harbour Kitchen, Shop 1, 800 Bourke Street (Waterfront side of the NAB building, Docklands)

This event is generously sponsored by the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre, reflecting our shared commitment to mental health advocacy. Together, we’ll raise much-needed funds for an organization that champions the well-being of those facing mental health challenges.

Don’t miss this opportunity to commemorate Dr. Acquah’s contributions and partake in a night that promises not just celebration, but a community coming together for a meaningful cause.

Secure your spot by RSVPing through Eventbrite (Book Now) or by contacting Abs on 0487 618 042 or Katinda on 0452 346 696.

We eagerly await your presence at this significant event where camaraderie and charity go hand in hand. Let’s make a difference while celebrating Dr. Acquah’s commendable achievements. See you there!

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Francis Acquah Awarded Order of Australia for Pioneering Mental Health Advocacy

We are thrilled to share that our very own Francis Roger Niilanteye Acquah AM has been honored as a member of the Order of Australia, AM, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and significant contributions to mental health advocacy, especially for refugees and immigrants.

This prestigious award, approved by King Charles the Third, was presented at the Governor’s House in Victoria. Francis’s dedication to improving mental health outcomes through education, advocacy, and direct service is a cornerstone of our community’s strength and resilience at PWRC.

His journey reminds us all that every step taken in compassion and understanding helps pave the way toward a more empathetic and inclusive society. Congratulations, Francis, on this well-deserved recognition! Your PWRC family is incredibly proud of you. 🎖️💙

#MentalHealthAdvocacy #OrderOfAustralia #PositiveWellnessRecoveryCenter #CommunityImpact #HealthcareHeroes

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Mental Health Check-in at Kalkallo Centre

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Mental health check-in at Kalkallo centre

Kalkallo’s Positive Wellness Recovery Centre, PWRC, last week welcomed Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny for a tour of the premises and a discussion about mental health.

The PWRC was founded by mental health nurse and Member of the Order of Australia Francis Acquah and officially opened late last year, focusing on providing a range of wellness programs for mental health, disability support, and recovery therapy in a non-confronting setting.

Ms Halfpenny said she was ‘blown away’ by how far the centre had come.

“[Mr Acquah has] put a really incredible vision into practice,” she said.

“Mental ill health is the crisis of our times and to see the work, the commitment, and the passion in trying to make people well and improve their lives, it’s incredible that we have people like this.”

The PWRC prides itself on being approachable and offers a wide range of care centred around fostering positive mental health, something Ms Halfpenny said was much-needed in the community..”

“Sometimes with the way people’s lives are they’re a bit chaotic, so it’s important to have services and support that actually accepts that and isn’t so rigid,” she said.

 “When they’re feeling down and want to do something or have a talk, people can come here, and they know they’ll be welcomed at any time.”

 

 

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Mental health check-in at Kalkallo centre
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Mr Acquah said he was proud to have Ms Halfpenny visit the PWRC.

“Sometimes [politicians] sit in their tower in the city and don’t actually know what is happening on the ground, so we appreciate having Bronwyn. It’s not her electorate, but to come in and actually see what we’re doing here is humbling,” he said.

“It’s very exciting for somebody in government to take the time to come and visit and see the reality of what is happening here.”

Mr Acquah said the PWRC continued to grow, with multiple clients visiting the centre on a regular basis and interest growing in the multiple programs and services on offer, including drumming and dancing.

The PWRC is also progressing on Project Sunrise, a State Government-funded Alcohol and Other Drug, AOD, initiative devised by Mr Acquah to provide support to African families and youth in Australia.

“It’s been funded for the past three years by the State Government, and we’ve been able to demonstrate to have it continue for the next three years at least, so we are grateful,” Mr Acquah said.

“My goal and my hope is that we will have a mental health component to that funding so that we can support people and work on the issue of helping young people to reconnect with society.”

The PWRC is located at 3-9 Cameron Street, Kalkallo. For more information, people can email admin@pwrc.com.au or call 1300 025 864.

Australia Day Honours

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Australia Day Honours

In celebration of Australia Day, we shine a light on the unsung heroes who’ve made remarkable contributions to our community, recognized in the Australia Day Honours. From selfless volunteers to innovators in various fields, these individuals exemplify the spirit of dedication and service. Their stories inspire us all to contribute to our society in meaningful ways. Read more about their incredible journeys and the impact they’ve made. Let’s honour these remarkable Australians and be inspired by their achievements.

To read the article click here
SBS Francis Acquah

Whittlesea Review

Whittlesea review

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the Kalkallo Wellness Hub, operated by the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre (PWRC), has been featured in the prestigious Whittlesea Review. The article shines a spotlight on the official opening of this transformative wellness hub, creating new opportunities for care in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

The Kalkallo Wellness Hub, located at the historic 3-9 Cameron Street, has been beautifully restored and renovated by PWRC, turning the old church, built in 1860, into a central location for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support. The facility aims to provide tailored care for NDIS recipients through various counseling and activity programs, fostering a supportive, safe, and healthy environment where individuals can thrive.

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To read the article click here

Francis Acquah, the Clinical Director and Founder of PWRC, expressed the hub’s mission to change the paradigm of looking at illness, focusing instead on wellness and well-being. With over 40 years of experience in mental health nursing, Mr. Acquah envisions the Kalkallo Wellness Hub as a place that offers a different way of looking after oneself, irrespective of formal or informal mental health diagnoses, addressing issues around prevention.

The master plan for the church grounds includes exciting additions such as residential accommodations, offices, a general practitioner’s office, a sensory room, and a garden designed to cater to the individual needs of each participant. These facilities will complement the current activities offered by PWRC, including Drumming and Dancing For Life, yoga, and interactive gardening.

As Mr. Acquah aptly puts it, “We have a dream that people will receive mental health support without any barriers.” The Kalkallo Wellness Hub aims to be a practical and accessible place where individuals can seek help without an appointment, fostering a welcoming environment for all. The beautiful surrounding land will also be utilized for functions, maintaining its status as a multicultural and multi-religious space for everyone.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Whittlesea Review for recognizing the significance of the Kalkallo Wellness Hub in enhancing mental health support in our community. We are excited about the positive impact this hub will have on the well-being of individuals in need.

For those who haven’t had a chance to read the feature in Whittlesea Review, you can find it here.

Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey with us.