Mayor’s Message

By Cr Michael Whelan

This week marks two very important international days of observance, both of which occur on October 10. World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day which forms part of the national Mental Health Month in Australia.

As many of you will know we recently released the Affordable Housing Strategy to facilitate increased affordable housing throughout Bass Coast where it is most needed and close to essential services.

I am pleased to announce that last week Council and the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi jointly facilitated a Bass Coast ‘Homelessness Think Tank’ where we brought in more than 20 local organisations to share information, build local connection across agencies and workshop impactful projects to reduce the incidence and impact of homelessness in the Shire and greater region.

Participants shared information regarding the services currently available and built linkage amongst local agencies to best serve vulnerable community members experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The group also discussed key opportunities and gaps in Bass Coast and the region, and workshopped actions for community-led impact and collaboration going forward.

People experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness are among Australia’s most socially and economically disadvantaged. Homelessness may be the result of many structural and personal factors, and the current housing pressures experienced across the shire, state and country are putting significant pressure on individuals and service agencies.

The group acknowledged that the causes of homelessness are varied and complex, and that it is critical to connect local knowledge and expertise to the larger structural picture in understanding and addressing homelessness in our shire. By fostering greater integration and alignment, participants took steps to making a significant impact.

The Think Tank identified initial direction and points for future collaboration. The group will continue to work together on this complex and multi-faceted issue for our community.

Another significant date for this month is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

Over the past few weeks Council have facilitated a range of training sessions around mental health first aid. We were inundated with participants, and we will now be running further sessions in December.

Sadly, close to one third (30 per cent) of Australian farmers reported a decline in mental health over the past few years. Even more devastating, close to half of Australian farmers (45 per cent) have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, while close to a third (30 per cent) have attempted self-harm or suicide.

These sessions are aimed at the agricultural sector to help address these issues and promote better mental health in our community.

We have had tremendous feedback from participants (who are all now certified mental health first aid responders) and I would encourage organisations and networks that directly service and support or who are in touch with our farming communities to register online and undertake this training.

I encourage all members of our community to continue to support each other, reach out to the many wonderful service providers we have in the area and reduce stigma around poor mental health.

Please check out some of the events and services we have via our website, our new Community Services Booklet and our new Seniors Festival Booklet which have been released in the past week.

These can also be collected from our many customer service centres.