Message from Nick Wakeling MP
For a year and a half, Victoria has been gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic and various public health restrictions implemented in response. For many in our community, these restrictions have had a truly devastating impact.
I am particularly concerned by the mental health challenges faced by many local residents. I implore anyone who needs mental health support to reach out to their loved ones, their friends, their neighbours and our fantastic mental health support services to get the help and support they need. Help is here for you:
- Crisis Contact Details – if you are in immediate danger, please call 000
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- EACH – Generalist Counselling – 1300 003 224
- Headspace Knox – 9801 6088
- Outer East Phone Chat – 1800 984 825
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
- Red Cross – COVID CONNECT – 1800 733 276
Over the course of the pandemic, I have received countless calls for assistance from local residents. While I have been able to advocate on their behalf and to bring Government attention to their plight, these residents have often been in need of more immediate help.
Into this breach have stepped many remarkable local community groups and organisations. Throughout this period, these organisations have provided all manner of vital assistance to those in need. This assistance includes food relief, financial counselling, housing assistance, family violence support, mental health support and drug and alcohol support.The range of services that these organisations have provided truly reflects the complexity of the challenges we face as a local community amid this pandemic.
Whether these organisations belong to a religious denomination or not, they have welcomed all equally and have truly served and continue to serve the entire community. While these organisations may be too numerous to list here, I sincerely thank, on behalf of all Knox residents, each one of these groups and all of the many volunteers and workers who have committed themselves to this important work. I know I am personally indebted to these groups, as the local State Member for Ferntree Gully, for having a place to refer local residents for immediate assistance, a place where I know these residents will not only receive the support they need, but where they will be treated with compassion and dignity.
It is truly a privilege to be afforded the opportunity to witness so much of the good that goes on in our community. In such times as these, it is a cause for great hope and optimism, and it is one which I hope to continue to share with the community.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone on (03) 9758 6011 or by email at nick.wakeling@parliament.vic.gov.au should you need my assistance.
Nick Wakeling MP
