Maribyrnong council has acknowledged the mental health crisis developing across the municipality, as revealed in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 census.
At a meeting on Tuesday, June 20, councillors voted to acknowledge the current and emerging mental health crisis, particularly amongst younger and vulnerable Victorians.
Council noted that the impacts of COVID-19, along with cost of living pressure, has caused significant psychological distress to some members of the community.
Council recognised the current and planned investments in mental health support and services by the Victorian Government as a result of the Royal Commission into mental health.
Councillors resolved to call on the Victorian Government to conduct an enquiry into the psycho social impacts of COVID-19, and in particular, the effects that lockdown measures have had on the community.
Council will also ask the Victorian Government to consider additional measures and funding to invest in community resilience as well as psychological and material support to mitigate identified impacts.
The 2021 census found that 13,259 people have long term health conditions in the city.
VicHealth found that 82 per cent of young people had experienced mental health issues during COVID-19, including anxiety, depression and eating disorder symptoms such as binge eating.
Councillor Anthony Tran said he has been speaking with psychologists from schools in the area including Braybrook College, Maribyrnong College and Footscray High.
“Each of which is struggling to support their kids in providing services,” he said.
Jennifer Pittorino
