THE need for improved health and wellbeing services in Victorian regional areas like Mildura were highlighted twice this week.
This week the final report from the Inquiry into Homelessness in Victoria was released, with 51 recommendations on how the Victorian Government could help tackle an issue that affects so many people, but in many ways remains hidden.
I am looking forward to closely examining these recommendations, because homelessness is undoubtedly a problem in our region.
Mildura Rural City Council’s submission to the inquiry – compiled in partnership with local homelessness organisations – highlighted statistics showing homelessness affects 40 people per 10,000 in the Mildura Local Government Area, compared to an average of 27 per 10,000 for regional Victoria.
Mildura has the fourth-highest level of homelessness in regional Victoria, with the main drivers being financial difficulty, family and domestic violence or relationship breakdowns.
The number of people seeking help from homelessness services has grown markedly since 2014, which highlights the need for the findings and recommendations of the inquiry to be closely considered by the government.
Also this week, the final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System was released and the findings painted a grim picture of services in regional Victoria.
The report showed a system in crisis and incapable of supporting people living with mental illness, with an over-reliance on hospitals to treat people, rather than focused mental health services.
The findings come as no surprise to people in our region. Statistics show Mildura has a higher-than-average number of registered mental health clients.
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, released late last year, showed Mildura had the fourth-highest suicide rate in Victoria between 2015 and 2019.
The access to mental health services in our region has long been a problem and it needs to be addressed.
The Victorian Government has said it would implement all the recommendations of the royal commission – and it must.
There needs to be significant investment in services for the Mildura region, and regional Victoria more broadly, to ensure people who are experiencing mental health issues get the appropriate help they need.
