Law and Order in the Great South Coast

The LGSC participants were given the rare opportunity to spend an hour with current Victorian Magistrate John lesser at the Warrnambool Law courts. Magistrate Lesser discussed a range of topics including his career journey. This was a wonderful experience for the group with many messages and insights taken from the session.

Jodie Outtram, Alcohol and Other Drugs worker, from South West Healthcare gave brilliant insights into supporting clients with addictions. Jodie had a fantastic positive attitude and showed immense respect to her clients in understanding them and working together towards a goal.

Tony Bond shared his lived experience as a previous addict and his dealings with ICE. Tony stirred up many emotions in participants, we credit Tony on his amazing recovery and honesty.

Inspector Paul Ross provided a snapshot of Western Regions Division 2 crime stats and priority areas. Paul shared some wonderful insights into his position on the Victoria Police force. 

Nathalie Davis and Sarah McKean from Womens Health & Wellbeing, gave the LGSC participants some staggering statics of women living in domestic violence situations and highlighted that domestic violence is much more than just physical abuse.

We give thanks to the Warrnambool Magistrates Court for hosting us for the day, and to our many guest speakers, for your support to the LGSC program.

 Michael, 2016 Participant

Leaders explore Great South Coast health & wellbeing

The LGSC Program participants explored all aspects of health and wellbeing across the Great South Coast at Timboon Health Services. The key topics of the day being the social determinants of health in the Great South Coast and mental health. 

The afternoon was filled with emotions when the group heard an inspiring and brave story of a lovely young lady that overcame and is continuing to work on her mental illness issues and has made some positive changes to her life. This story brought the group to tears of sadness but also happiness. We thank her for her bravery in sharing her story. 

A huge thank you to Timboon Health Services for hosting us, and to our speakers Lynda Smith South West Primary Care, Barry Clarke Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria and Meredith Ericson CEO, Manager Suicide Prevention Services, Lifeline Victoria.

If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with mental health please seek help by contacting Lifeline 13 11 14. This is a free anonymous service available to everyone.

A 2016 Participants reflection

‘I commenced the LGSC program in February  with the understanding it would challenge my existing beliefs and awareness of key issues facing the region and the opportunities which are available.

It has certainly done this.

The journey has also provided a fantastic platform to improve my skillset, my knowledgebase and my networks across the region, enhancing my performance within my role at Wannon Water, and personally within the local community’.

Robbie 2016 Program Participant

An extract from Carly’s mid Program Report July 2016

The LGSC program could not have come at a better time for me and it has certainly exceeded my expectations…

The program began with an Opening Retreat weekend, followed by Program Days falling nearly once each fortnight since then. Each Program Day has a particular theme and includes presenters from a range of backgrounds and offering various viewpoints.

The Program Days open our minds to key issues and opportunities that take place in the Great South Coast, while also providing paralleled insight into leadership, personal refection and inspiration, while also challenging our own viewpoints and understandings of how we see the world. Every program day I have walked away thinking that my world has been opened up and that my mindset has expanded.

In fact, most days I leave saying that my brain hurts.

Carly 2016 Program Participant