Tuesday, 17 September, 2024
ECLC welcomes $800 million
Local firies reach dizzying heights
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A Star News Group Publication
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Students embrace
R U OK? Day By Shamsiya Hussainpoor As part of the R U OK? Day initiative by the national suicide prevention charity, schools across the country came together to emphasise the importance of mental health and promote meaningful conversations that can make a significant difference for those facing challenges. This year, we contacted Ferntree Gully’s Wattle View Primary School to learn about their efforts in raising awareness and providing support on the issue of suicide. Wattle View Primary School captain Vukota Misic said the school introduced various activities to help students learn how to support and reach out to peers who might be feeling down. “For me R U OK day means to check in on how people are going and that everybody can approach somebody if they’re not looking ok and help them out,” the 11-year-old said. According to R U OK organisation, an estimated 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt every year. To continue reading, turn to page 12
Wattle View Primary School school captain Vukota with principal Tracy Wright. (Stewart Chambers: 431307)
Sweeping change By Tanya Steele The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was handed down on Monday 9 September - a pivotal moment addressing the incredibly complex issue of veteran suicide in Australia. The report represents a step forward in improving outcomes for veterans, particularly in their transition from military to civilian life. This is an ongoing crisis with an average of three deaths by suicide every fortnight over the last decade. Boronia Veterans’ Advocacy Centre president Dave Menz said the good thing is they’ve done it.
“We want them to accept and implement the recommendations fully,” he said. The report has 122 recommendations to address cultural and systemic challenges that are failing serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families - and costing lives. Star Mail was invited to sit down for an open discussion on the recent news of the report, as veterans, fellow volunteers and community members gathered to catch up over lunch on 11 September at the Veterans’ Advocacy Centre. Mr Menz, along with many others at the centre, spends hours of his time doing anything from helping fill out paperwork for things like retro-
spective medical discharges, a complex process for any veteran, to assisting with home help or medical appointments. “We still do our work here today, free of charge,” he said. “Some (veterans) can’t handle being in certain places and they’re not getting looked after.” The services they provide are unique and cater to the needs of the community. Mr Menz said there is now a facility called Vasey RSL Care, also known as the V Centre which launched in Ivanhoe in February this year. Vasey RSL Care chief executive officer Janna Voloshin said she commended the report but emphasised the importance of timely action.
“While we appreciate the report, the real test will be in how quickly the government responds. Veterans can’t afford to wait.” Ms Voloshin said the importance of a proactive approach was essential, highlighting that the transition from the ADF to civilian life is a critical time for veterans’ wellbeing. “The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a current, operational solution to this recommendation,” she said. “We hope the government will now consider partnering with us to share this societal responsibility.” Continued page 3
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