Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group
Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (09:41): I recently attended the third annual Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group walk in Yea, and I want to commend the organisers for the work they are doing to increase awareness into suicide locally. Jacky Gilbee, heartbroken over the loss of her son Russell, wanted to make a difference and help others like her. There was little in the area, so she set out to change this. Her team, Tony Jacobs, Michelle Dolman, Don Lawson, Rod Clue, Penny Paxman, Toni Smith, Carole Sissins and Steve Joblin, have taken up the mantle. The Alexandra truck show has also thrown their support behind the organisation. Recently the group was successful in a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grant, which will support them over the coming three years and allow them to host local support group meetings rather than people needing to travel long distances to Melbourne or to larger regional cities for support. Well done, Jacky.