Rural and regional mental health were on the agenda this week with visits from the NSW Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Mental Health.
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They met with a number of different groups across Griffith, Wagga and Narrandera, listening to people’s concerns and learning about the local areas.
NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey said the visit highlighted the unique needs of each individual community.
“It’s really great understanding that communities are different in each rural town. It’s not one size fits all. Therefore, the responses have to be different,” she said.
In Griffith, the Commissioners met with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, Wellways, One Door Mental Health, Centacare and Intereach as well as the town’s multicultural leaders.
On Saturday, they will visit Narrandera and attended the Rural Women's Gathering.
Part of the role of the commission is to develop reports to present to the Minister that highlight key areas of concern and recommendations.
Ms Lourey said her visit to the MIA and the issues raised by locals will probably form to form part of that report.
“I’m the Mental Health Comissioner for NSW, not just Sydney. For me, it’s about putting that to Government as well...”
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Deputy Commissioner Alan Sparkes said the visit had highlighted the way a lack of regional housing can lead to issues when filling jobs.
”One of the things that really stuck out for me this morning is that there is little or no accommodation in the Griffith area to allow people to live,” he said.
“The town needs specialists and clinicians … but there is no housing here. Whilst there is nowhere for people to live, you’ll never find people to fill the jobs.”
For Mr Sparkes, it’s about finding practical solutions to ongoing issues.
“Collaboration is critically important so that we don’t have solo projects. Everyone works together. Even if they identify three key problems and focus on address those before moving on.”
Both the Commissioner and Deputy Comissioner praised the hard work and dedication of local health and mental health workers.
Each year the Commissioner visits different parts of NSW to engage with community and local services.
