November 7th, 2023Counselling services in wake of weekend tragedy, Daylesford

The Daylesford Interagency Response Group is extending its condolences to families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic weekend accident at Daylesford and wishes to reach out to any other members of the community impacted by the event.
Counselling services will continue to be available to anyone who feels they need mental health support following the accident. This includes members of the Daylesford community, visitors to the town, or anyone else directly or indirectly affected by events.
The Central Highlands Rural Health drop-in services will be open from 9am to 5pm today (Tuesday) at 79a Raglan Street in Daylesford.
Anyone is welcome to drop in any time between 9am and 5pm every day until Friday 10 November (inclusive, and including the Melbourne Cup public holiday). For more information please phone Central Highlands Rural Health on 5321 6551.
For other assistance including after-hours support, people can contact one of the following organisations, where appropriate:

Grampians Health Ballarat Access & Triage service – 1300 247 647
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Beyond Blue – 1300 224636
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Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
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Headspace – 1 800 650 890
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13YARN – 13 92 76
For people outside the Daylesford area seeking mental health support and/or counselling, contact Head to Health by phoning 1300 595212. This service is available Victoria-wide. Callers will be directed to relevant support service providers in their area.

The Daylesford Interagency Response Group has been established to coordinate mental health and counselling services for the Daylesford community and beyond. The group comprises representatives from Hepburn Shire Council, Central Highlands Rural Health, Uniting Vic Tas Ballarat Community Health, Springs Medical, Grampians Health, Western Victoria Primary Health Network, Victoria Police and the Department of Health.
Mayor of Hepburn Shire, Cr Brian Hood: “We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims, their families and friends. This is an absolute tragedy that is being felt throughout our community and beyond.”
“The community grief was palpable at the vigil last night in Daylesford. It was very moving to come together in this way and it’s so important that we continue to support each other and the emergency services personnel who serve us so well. I sincerely urge people to make use of the drop-in counselling service this week or reach out to Central Highlands Rural Health.”