MindPlay is an innovative youth drama competition developed and managed by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health (HIMH).

Every year since the competition’s launch in 1997, students from the Hunter, Manning and Central Coast regions have been invited to research, write and perform a 15 minute drama piece on a mental health topic of their choice.

MindPlay was created with the aim of engaging school students in mental health issues through a format that would be accessible and relevant to them.

By encouraging discussion of these issues within local school communities, MindPlay plays a significant role in addressing and removing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The students are marked 50 per cent on their theatrical skills and acting and the other 50 per cent is information and content of the topic chosen.

The Dungog students chose to do a play on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cast member Mark Copus said they chose Alzheimers and how the disease affects the family, not just the person.

“Every one of us either knew someone who had the disease or a person who was related to someone with Alzheimers,” he said.

“(Drama teacher) Louise Rowley helped us work out the direction we wanted it to go and we went from there.

“We started at the end of term one and then auditions were held two weeks before the grand final on July 10.

“Fourteen schools entered and six were chosen to be in the grand final.”

At the end of the play the Dungog students were happy with their performance.

“The judges announced third place went to Lambton High School and we thought they did a good job.

“We were a bit worried then and didn’t think we would get a place.

“Second place was Bulahdelah and we thought we were better than them – and then they announced us as the winners.

“We were cheering and screaming – we couldn’t hold back the smiles – it was fantastic.”

The win however was bitter-sweet for Ms Rowley who was unable to attend because of illness.

“The students did a great job and learnt a lot about problem solving,” she said.

“The lead role was in England playing cricket (Tom Rumbel), I was sick and couldn’t be there and one other student had the swine flu.

“But they soldiered on and it just shows the resilience these students have.

“I am just so proud of them.”

In the absence of Ms Rowley the students were accompanied by teacher Fiona McLarty and teacher’s aid Rachel Stokes.