Difficult times

THERE is a lot of hugely concerning news, which is impacting on various community members abroad and at home.

The devastation being wrecked in the name of the Israel-Palestine conflict is shocking.

More than 4,600 people have lost their lives. More than 1,750 of those lives lost are children. This is shaping to be one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent times.

My thoughts are with civilians suffering enormous loss and hardship, as well as with members of the Greater Geelong community who have ties to the region.

On Thursday, October 26, I stood with the local Islamic community, trade unionists, and community activists at a community vigil for peace and solidarity with Palestine.

Those in attendance heard from the local Imam and also a Geelong resident, Youssef Hajezi.

Youssef, who has a Palestinian background, spoke about the devastating effects current events are having on those in the region and living here locally in Geelong.

We can all agree that the destruction of property and the loss of life should end as soon as possible.

My thoughts are also with the Geelong Hazara Community, impacted by the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan’s Herat province.

The area has been impacted by three earthquakes in as many weeks, with access to subsequent humanitarian aid proving difficult due to ongoing discrimination against the Hazara population by the Taliban Government.

The Geelong Hazara Community has approached the Council seeking support for a community centre or space for events and cultural events.

I look forward to continuing to work with officers and the Geelong Hazara Community in achieving this goal.

I also want to acknowledge events that have occurred closer to home, in Corio, with the tragic and devasting loss of Saige, Ashlynn and Isaac in a shed fire.

Many in the northern suburbs and across Geelong have been impacted by this loss.

My thoughts are with the family and all those affected by grief, and with Mavis who continues her recovery in hospital.

October is World Mental Health Awareness Month.

If you’ve been impacted by any of these events or are struggling for other reasons, find a friend, family member or someone you trust, spend time in your community to connect with those around you.

If you need to, please speak to your GP, or reach out for further support.

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• 13YARN – 13 92 76
• MensLine – 1300 789 978

Cr Sarah Hathway

Windermere Ward, City of Greater Geelong