Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Victoria University mental health initiative

Mathew HILAKARI (Point Cook) (13:16): Good mental health has been prioritised in East Werribee, with a joint venture from Headspace, Orygen and Victoria University on their East Werribee campus now open. The federal Minister for Education Jason Clare launched it, and I would like to thank all those involved in getting this project up and running. Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council did an extraordinary welcome to country, as he always does; we always learn something new about our Aboriginal brothers and sisters through that process. Jason Trethowan from Headspace gave a wonderful speech. Professor Patrick McGorry, former Australian of the Year – and rightly so – talked about the benefits to our community, and the Honourable Steve Bracks, the chancellor, alongside Victoria University vice-chancellor Adam Shoemaker and many other dignitaries, joined us. The wonderful and extraordinary MCs Pranav Anup and Sharla Eddleston brought the day together. Congratulations to all involved. It is a great partnership which will help those people who are suffering from poor mental health across our community.