Wood, of Australian drama Blue Heelers fame, will give a special performance during the third annual event in QEII Square in Albury on Saturday.

Together with Albury-based actor Chris Pidd, Wood will perform excerpts from Carpe Diem, the duo’s production dealing in mental health issues.

The show, which follows Australian males dealing with health, grief, loss and depression issues, has been touring the Riverina in recent weeks.

Mr Pidd, also a festival co-organiser, said the event aimed to encourage people, whether or not they have experienced mental illness, to learn and understand the importance of looking after their mental health and wellbeing. 

"We aim to send to our community a very clear message: We should all learn about mental health, know about our thoughts, feelings and take action to improve our mental wellbeing,” he said. 

“We all need to play our part of being a welcoming, caring and supportive community." 

Hundreds of community organisations and mental health agencies take part in Mental Health Month activities, supported by WayAhead Mental Health Association in NSW.

Event co-organiser Joseph Lumanog said other activities at the Border festival included stress ball making, mindful colouring, drumming, dancing, stationary bikes and a beanbag chill-out space.

He said festival-goers could also join free yoga and zumba sessions, massage, art therapy, canvas painting and book reading.

Mindfulness apps, TED talks viewing and more activities would be offered at the stalls. 

“There’s more of an emphasis on fitness this year for the first time,” Mr Lumanog said. 

“We’re also very fortunate to have John Wood join us this year.”

The Wellbeing Festival was jointly organised by Albury Wodonga Health, Anglicare Victoria, Centacare, Gateway Health, Headspace, Life Without Barriers, Lifeline, Mind Australia and Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation. 

Mental Health Month is celebrated throughout NSW during October.

The free festival runs from 10am until 1pm.