Scott builds on his mental health response

His position requires him to coordinate resources across all emergency agencies.

The most recent efforts have been coordinating resources in response to the flood crisis across all agencies involved.

Before that he was involved in the COVID-19 response.

With drought and bush fire incidents also plaguing the state in recent times, the Leading Australian Resilient Communities (LARC) program was born.

Mr Fullerton attended a session of the program in Yarrawonga last month, which is intended to enhance the participants’ leadership skills.

He said his participation was about building on “what mental health support is available within the communities.”

“Also how we can work with those communities and with individuals, and what systems are established in those communities that can be built on and improved,” he said.

“We want to work forward with our resilience within the community and help the issues that we have in regional New South Wales and Victoria in mental health, suicides and resilience when we are faced with adverse conditions.”

Mr Fullerton was one of 21 regional leaders to participate in the program, which is delivered by by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).

A follow up session will be held in February, but in the meantime small working groups have been formed to further develop the ideas discussed at Yarrawonga.

“These small groups have been working on community engagement strategies and building better awareness of mental health.

“What I learned has already been put into practice during this flood crisis.

“I encourage people to come forward for help; reach out, because there is help out there for everyone in need.”

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and support information is also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.