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proudly serving Sunbury and Macedon Ranges
9 JULY, 2024
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Pulling all the right strings
BoilOver Performance Ensemble artists Connor, Andrew and Sarah, with creative arts assistants Jacquelyn Hughes and Karen Cleur. (Damjan Janevski)
Artists from Sunbury inclusive theatre company, BoilOver Performance Ensemble, are getting ready to present their next production. Titled, Heart Strings, the performance is inspired by the artists’ own relationship experiences and explores the themes of courage and risk. The performance represents the topic of love through the ‘red thread of fate’ – the theory that we are all connected to the people we are destined to meet. BoilOver, a program offered through Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, is open to anyone over the age of 18 who has an interest in performing arts and can be accessed through an NDIS plan. Ceative producer Carmen Maddison said the program helps participants to gain performing arts skills and experience. “Our artists get the opportunity to develop their skills and their confidence each week. They work alongside other circus and acrobatic professionals who help push their boundaries of artistic expression as well as build their strength and flexibility.” It will be performed at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans, from July 18–20. Details: www.creativebrimbank.com. au/heart-strings
High mental health need By Laura Michell Hume is one of poorest ranked municipalities for mental health, according to a new report on the mental health needs of Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs. The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) Mental Health – Health Needs Assessment report examined the mental health and care needs of the 1.9 million people living in the network’s 3200 square-kilometre catchment, which comprises 13 local government areas, including Hume and the Macedon Range. According to the report, Hume has one of the highest levels of mental health need, alongside Brimbank and Wyndham. The report stated that Hume experienced social disadvantage across multiple indicators,
specifically housing stress and low individual and household income, which can have negative consequences on mental health and wellbeing. “Above average rates of [emergency department] presentations and hospitalisations due to suicidal ideation highlight there are complex mental health needs in the population requiring tailored intervention,” the report stated. “Hume also benchmarks below Victorian state averages in multiple risk factors that can affect mental health and increase need. Specifically, there are a high proportion of children who are developmentally vulnerable, high levels of family violence and a large proportion of adults who are living with obesity.” The report found there was a need for targeted services that cater to the varying
and unique needs of the Hume community, including the area’s younger age profile and cultural diversity. Macedon Ranges residents were found to be at greater risk of mental health conditions given the region’s greater daily alcohol consumption and high prevalence of combined chronic health conditions. “Bipolar disorder is a notable condition of concern in Macedon Ranges with high rates of GP diagnoses and hospitalisations,” the report stated. “The mortality rate of suicide and self-inflicted injury was also noted, surpassing the Victorian average indicating a need for tailored support for complex and severe mental health outcomes.” The report synthesised data from various sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics census, mental health-related hospital
admissions and emergency department presentations, general practice mental health diagnoses, demand for appointments and community health service use and demand. It also included detailed insights from conversations with more than 170 people, including community members with living experience of mental health issues, carers and representatives from 68 health care organisations. NWMPHN service development and reform executive director Jag Dhaliwal said the report was a key tool in understanding where mental health services are most needed. “It allows us, with the broader health care sector, to allocate resources more efficiently and economically, delivering better care to the people who need it, and driving value for taxpayer money at the same time,” he said.
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