Murrindindi Shire Council recently raised concerns about the delivery model of the funding, calling on the Victorian Health and Ageing Minister Ingrid Stitt to re-evaluate where funds would be distributed.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher said the current model created an unacceptable barrier to care for people already dealing with trauma and loss.
“While we welcome the commitment of additional mental health funding, the way it is proposed to be delivered simply does not work for rural and dispersed communities like ours,” Cr Gallagher said.
“For people experiencing trauma, grief and loss, asking them to travel long distances away from their support networks is not a minor inconvenience, it is a barrier that will prevent access altogether.”
Of the $6.9 million announced, $4.9 million has been allocated to expand the reach of existing Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, a free Department of Health service for those aged 26 and above, into areas affected by recent bushfires.
The closest such service to Seymour is in Shepparton, while those in the Murrindindi Shire face travel of between 85km and 160km.
Although based significant distances away, existing locals have been offering services in fire-impacted regions, with the Shepparton Mental Health and Wellbeing Local attending the Euroa relief centre weekly, and the Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield Local having attended the relief centre in Ruffy.
“Mental health support is available now by calling 1300 375 330, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, including for the Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie communities,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said.
“Our $4.9 million investment to expand the reach of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals provides free treatment and support for people dealing with trauma, grief and loss from the recent bushfires.
“We’re continuing to work with local services on the ground to understand what communities need now and into the recovery phase.”
Council is advocating for the state government to immediately allocate a proportion of the announced funding directly to local providers in Murrindindi Shire, enable flexible funding arrangements that allow services to scale outreach, engagement and therapeutic support now, and ensure delivery models for rural and dispersed communities align with national disaster mental health principles.
“Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all,” Cr Gallagher said.
“Murrindindi has carried an extraordinary share of Victoria’s bushfire impact.
“Our community deserves an equitable, accessible and locally delivered mental health recovery response.”
