Consultation with our community stakeholders can now look at 'venue' and 'provider' of this valuable resource.

So, be assured, progress is being made on significant projects including the Youth Hub - at the old Ambulance Station - and Headspace.

Council doesn't look after health services at the front-line, but is actively working with the other levels of government to keep a focus on these important projects and get an increase in services and easier access for our young people and those with mental illness.

Council has not forgotten the intent of getting stakeholders together to have a planned approach to advocating for better services. Work is underway to make this an important part of the upcoming review of the Community Strategic Plan.

In March this year North Coast Primary Health announced a $48 million National Suicide Prevention Trial that is happening at 12 high-risk sites. The coordinator of the Kempsey Suicide Prevention Plan, Melissa Robinson, is doing an amazing job, working on the front-lines, with workshops for the community and helping vulnerable youth.

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There will be a community forum before the end of this year to update the community and share the journey and progress of the work being done.

There are many organisations and individuals here in Kempsey who are working every day to ensure that awareness, understanding and support for mental health, well-being and connection within our community continues to grow stronger and healthier for everyone.

Combined with Melinda Pavey's funding of permanent infrastructure - the Youth Hub at the old Ambulance Station - we must acknowledge that our levels of government have responded to our community's most serious concern.

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