#CEOdesk

Many young people in our region are struggling with their mental health and can find it difficult to access, navigate and engage with the services and programs that are available. Demand for mental health services is high, with general practice data for our region indicating that 14% of patients between 4-17 years have a coded mental health disorder. Population health data also indicates that our region has higher mental illness and suicide rates compared to the NSW state average.

The events of this past weekend have affected us in an unprecedented way. We are conscious of the impact of what occurred in Bondi Junction, not only on those directly affected, but also on our community as a whole in NSW, as we grapple to understand the gravity of this event. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and our thoughts are with those impacted firsthand on the scene as they come to terms with the impact of the situation.