Cybermindz.org is just over six months old, with its strong launch as a not-for-profit, social enterprise with a passion, a strong mission and a purpose very warmly embraced by a global industry quick to acknowledge the severity of the problem, and that the Cybermindz iRest Protocol offers a genuine solution with truly tangible benefits. 

Cybermindz Founder, Peter Coroneos, and his team, manifested a powerful, pioneering and fully-achievable scheme to bring scalable, evidence-based mental health support to embattled, burned out cyber teams.

Peter noted: "We've been touched by the validation and encouragement you've given us – but more than that – by the feedback from those who've taken part in our early pilot programs who tell us what a difference it is already making to their lives."

A NSW SOC Team Leader added: "Cybermindz offers crucial strategies to help people in the industry manage stress, improve their cognitive recovery and focus. I have not seen anything offered like this in the industry. The program has had a great effect in my burnout recovery, I highly recommend it as an important addition to the cyber defenders toolkit."

Now comes Cybermindz.org's very first Gala Fundraiser on 28 February in Sydney, which will help Peter and his team build the material resources "to translate our vision into measurable impacts across the sector."

Peter explained: "Our plan is to progressively establish dedicated training centres in each state.

"And to embrace a preventative program to build resilience skills into new entrants to cyber, so they can thrive in the job without becoming casualties themselves.

"And to replenish and restore those who are on the burnout trajectory.

"We will only succeed through the strength of our partnerships. And with the help of advocates and volunteers like you, in whatever way is easy and fulfilling.

"As a bonus, the research shows that volunteering in itself is one thing you can do to boost your own mental health, increase feel good hormones and flush the system with some love. (It seems evolution gifted us a reward system to help the survival of the group.)

"We will shortly be announcing the launch of our ambassador and volunteer program.

"But for now, please help by seeing if you can assemble a table of ten — or sharing this invitation with an organisation who might be interested in sponsoring the event."

The link to reserve a table or explore a sponsorship is here. 

Individual seats and half tables will go on sale in mid-February.

Anyone interested in becoming a Cybermindz volunteer can email volunteering@cybermindz.org.

Attendees will join 200 fellow cyber industry professionals, political leaders and government officials to truly enjoy a night of fun, information and entertainment in support of a great cause.

Cybermindz.org is proud to have partnered with the NSW Government and values the personal support it has received from Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, the Hon. Victor Dominello MP.

Minister Dominello has announced his retirement from parliament at the next election so Cybermindz wants to take this occasion as an industry to recognise his considerable achievements and thank him for his contribution — and particularly his recognition of the need to support the mental health in cyber teams.

As a special treat, attendees will also hear from Stephanie Lopez, a senior advisor and senior trainer from the iRest Institute in California about the successes of the iRest program in the military and other applications, how it can powerfully build and restore resilience and the potential it offers the cyber community through the efforts of Cybermindz.org.

Stephanie has presented meditation at Google, Spotify, and UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. She is a contributing author of “Yoga Nidra Meditations” and “Practice: Wisdom from the Downward Dog.”

Tables can be purchased here. Half tables and individual ticket sales to come in mid-February. 

Mimecast is the inaugural event sponsor, with more to be announced.

iTWire is the official media partner of the event.

Here is a short video interview with Cybermindz Founder, Peter Coroneos, about the Fundraising Gala Dinner!