Mental health support called for

AFTER a recent visit to flood-affected Rochester, National Party Northern Victoria upper house MP Gaelle Broad has called for more mental health support for residents.

She urged the State Government and Minister for Mental Health, Gabrielle Williams, to provide the services.

With impacts from last October’s flood still being felt by the town, Ms Broad said more support was needed.

“Six months on the situation is still dire,” she said. “People are living in houses covered with mould because they simply have nowhere else to go.”

With mental health of some in the community suffering, Ms Broad said that was leaving residents at risk due to the lack of help available.

“People are still under pressure and grieving,” she said. “Young people are struggling, and the risk of domestic violence and suicide is very real.

“There is a critical shortage of mental health workers and Anglicare and Echuca Regional Health can’t fill the vacancies.

“I spoke with local residents who are being told to wait six to eight months for an appointment.

“This is not good enough. These are people who have lost everything, the road to recovery and rebuilding is long. They need more mental health services, and they need them now.”

Rochester Community House co-ordinator Amanda Logie had previously said the town was “still broken” and “not feeling very supported” by the Government.

A spokesperson for the Victorian Government however said support mechanisms had been put in place for the town.

“We know the recent floods have put an incredible amount of pressure on the Rochester community,” the spokesperson said.

“We immediately provided $1.5 million in surge funding to our mental health and wellbeing hubs, including the Bendigo hub which services the community of Rochester.

“In addition to these immediate investments, the Government is investing $1.25 million for targeted initiatives to support the mental health and wellbeing of flood-affected communities.”