Every community is different. That’s why it’s important that Mind Australia and its partners understand the challenges, different cultural backgrounds and beliefs of people in each of the three regions in which we deliver Mental Health and Wellbeing Local services.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe has employed a dedicated Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Zac Gittins, to support its efforts to better engage with First Nations people and communities in the region.
Zac’s role is to support First Nations people, and their family members, from Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung to connect with and access health, wellbeing, financial and employment support services. Zac, who is a proud Barkindji and Gumbaynggirr man, also works to ensure that the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe is a culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming environment for First Nations people. It is delivered in partnership between Mind, Echuca Regional Health, Salvation Army, Bendigo Health, Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative and Thorne Harbour Health.
When Zac first started in early 2024, only a handful of First Nations people had come to the service for support. Since then, that number has increased to over 25 people.
“It’s good having an Aboriginal man in the service; as a service user you can see there are black faces here that are going to support me, and knowing that makes me comfortable to access support. A lot of mob don’t feel comfortable walking into a service without another Aboriginal person there,” Zac said.
“My role is to catch-up with people, link them in with the supports that they need and to advise them. That might include advice in the advocacy space, or just a yarn to talk about how things are going in their life.”
Zac says there is a lot of mistrust from First Nations people, which is often a barrier for them to reach out for support. He says this mistrust stems from historical oppression, stigma and discrimination.
Lisa Henderson, Greater Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local’s Service Manager, says having Zac on the team has helped build trust amongst local Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples.
“Zac has been able to support First Nations people in the community to build their knowledge of the service and to feel comfortable about accessing service at the Local. He is such a valued addition to the Local team because he listens deeply and is genuinely interested in everyone he has contact with,” she said.
“Zac has also created opportunities for our partner organisations to become more familiar with each other’s services, which has helped increase our connection.”
The Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe Mental Health and Wellbeing Local has physical sites in both Bendigo and Echuca. Ms Henderson says the team is developing relationships with Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and First Nations staff from Echuca Regional Health in order to connect with and support Yorta Yorta people.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Greater Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe is available for people aged 26 years and over to get mental health and wellbeing care and support. All support is free, voluntary and easy to access, and you do not need a referral from your doctor to access help.
Mind Australia manages the Greater Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe Mental Health and Wellbeing, as well as the Locals in Greater Dandenong and Melton.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals provide telephone and telehealth services, as well as face to face support by walk-in or appointment. For free local support, call:
- Bendigo (3/15 Hopetoun Street, Bendigo VIC) – 0354 975 600
- Echuca (222 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca VIC) – 0354 126 600.
People can also call 1800 332 501 to be connected with support in these areas.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are not crisis services. In an emergency which is life-threatening or where there is immediate risk of harm to anyone, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN on 13 92 76. 13 YARN is a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.