Stand Tall 2020 to be live-streamed from ICC Sydney

22 May 2020

Youth mental health charity Stand Tall, today announced its 2020 Event will be live-streamed to thousands of high school students across Australia on 4 June from the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). The event has been reimagined into a digital format to go ahead under COVID-19 restrictions.

With more than 20,000 students expected to tune in, Stand Tall 2020 will bring together some of Australia’s leading young musicians, athletes and inspirational speakers to share stories of hope, courage and resilience. This year’s line-up includes Sam Cawthorn, Michael Crossland, Emma Carey, Timomatic, Derek Rabelo, Anna Cocquerel and Tony Hoang, among others.

Australia’s largest youth wellbeing event aims to address the increasingly high incidences of mental health issues in young people, inspiring attendees to change the course of their lives and build hope for the future. More than half (55%) of secondary students say they don’t have any hope for the future, while experts warn of the potentially devastating impact of COVID-19 on young people’s mental health.

Traditionally a one-day annual gathering at ICC Sydney, Stand Tall 2020 is set to increase its reach by more than 100% this year as it goes virtual. Australia’s premiere convention venue will utilise audio visual technology to live stream the show to thousands of schools and students across Australia.

Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, says Stand Tall is driving important awareness and opening up the conversation around mental health amongst young people.

“The Stand Tall live stream event is a wonderful resource being made available to schools across Australia, providing stories of hope and courage to students,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We know how challenging the past few months have been for students having to adapt to learning from home and missing their friends. It’s important we acknowledge the impact this may have had on the mental wellbeing of the community and provide resources to support those in need.”

Following a sold-out 2019 event, opened by the Premier of NSW and Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, an Independent Impact Study conducted by UTS showed that over 74% of students felt that at least one of the speakers seen had directly and positively affected them, with significant increases in student hope and wellbeing recorded following this event.

Stand Tall Co-founder and Associate Chief Executive Officer, Angela Farr-Jones, said as a mother of four she’s devoted to giving hope and confidence to the younger generation, so they can better cope with whatever life throws at them.

“Now in our seventh year, Stand Tall Event has grown from 2,500 in 2018 to 5,000 in June 2019. However, this year will be unlike any other, as Australia faces one of the worst youth mental health crises of a generation.

“It is absolutely critical that as young people grapple with the mental toll of COVID-19, climate crisis, bullying, or whatever their personal challenge might be, they are given hope for a better future. Young role models really do inspire other people. That is why now, more than ever, Stand Tall is committed to providing meaningful connections to support young Australians.”

ICC Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Donaghy, said Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue is proud to provide ongoing support to the charity.

“ICC Sydney couldn’t be prouder to reinforce our longstanding partnership with Stand Tall, who we have been delighted to support for three incredible years. Using our in-house AV technology and talented team, we have been able to creatively reimagine this important event, to ensure it reaches and helps more young people than ever this year”.

To register your school’s or own interest in the Stand Tall live-streamed event from 9:30 AM on 4 June 2020, visit: https://www.standtallevent.com/stand-tall-2020-sydney

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