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Latrobe City Council supports mental health in bushfire communitiesWorking with community to help and assist those who experienced bushfire. By news@gippsland - 28th May 2021 - Back to News Communities affected by the Yinnar South Bushfire in 2019 are better equipped to care for each other after locals recently took part in mental health first aid training. Participants were trained by Mental Health First Aid Australia to recognise signs of mental health problems and how to help someone experiencing a mental illness until professional help is received or a crisis resolves.
Communities affected by bushfire can experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing and frightening, however, in most cases, they fade over time, it is why our support is also important to help them maintain good mental health
Mental health crises
The course was held at Yinnar and District Memorial Hall and covered mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use problems. It also explored mental health crises such as suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, panic attacks and traumatic events.
The course was attended by community members from Landcare, Boolarra Pony Club, a community choir, a preschool teacher, business owners and farmers. Participants received a three-year certification as mental health first aiders.
Receiving professional help needed
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said, "Experiencing a bushfire and its aftermath is a traumatic experience that can severely impact the mental health of people, not just at the time but also for many years to come."
"That’s why this training is vital. We need to have qualified people in the community able to recognise people experiencing ill mental health, to ensure they promptly receive the professional help they need."
Working with the community
The bushfire was started by lightning strike on 2 March 2019 and burnt through 1913 hectares in the Yinnar South, Budgeree and Jumbuk areas, destroying two homes and three outbuildings, including the Jumbuk Hall.
Council worked with the community to establish a community recovery committee to represent locals in developing a recovery plan that targeted the needs of the impacted communities. This plan identified issues around assisting people’s wellbeing and rebuilding the community.
Representatives from government organisations
The committee includes representatives of Latrobe City Council, Hancock Victoria Plantations, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (previously known as the Department of Health and Human Services) and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Pictures from Victorian Department of Health Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts. - Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people. - Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives. - West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming. - Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife. - East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes. - Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer. - Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies ahead of bushfire season and fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies during the Fire Danger Period, recommending three litres of drinking water per person daily and monitoring service updates during emergencies. - Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects. - Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future. - New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
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