NEWS DESK Monash joins lobby group MONASH University is the latest “partner” to be signed up by the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula. To be known as a community partner member, the committee’s CEO Josh Sinclair said Monash “will provide valuable expertise and advice towards developing our strategic plan and advocacy objectives”. The committee’s other community partner is Mornington Peninsula Shire. Once regarded solely as a business lobby group, the committee describes itself as being “the peak advocacy body for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula”. The committee’s website lists 11 “corporate gold” members, 20 corporate, 14 small business, 14 not for profit and three associations. Other education providers on the committee include Toorak College, Woodleigh School, Balcombe Grammar, Peninsula Grammar, Mornington Secondary College and Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network. Originally a teachers' college, Monash's Peninsula campus was previously known as the State College at Frankston. Following talks with Caulfield Institute of Technology in the early 1980s, the college became the Frankston campus of the newly formed Chisholm Institute of Technology in 1982. In 1990, the Peninsula and Caulfield campuses of Chisholm Institute amalgamated with Monash University. Since then, the Peninsula campus has grown to become the university's third-largest campus in Australia.
On the run for mental health Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au ATTEMPTING 50 kilometres a day for 50 days is a challenge that would make even the bravest of runners hesitate, but for Somerville man Connor Scott it was a mission with a purpose. Scott took on the challenge to raise money for Mornington charity Speak & Share because he backs what the charity does for young people. “I wanted to be able to help challenge the stigmas of mental illness and help this charity work on proactive responses,” he said. From 15 October to 3 December, no matter the weather or the pain level, Scott donned his running shoes and took to the track. “I love what the boys at Speak & Share do … when I was younger I had no idea what mental health looked like until it was too late,” he said. “I fell into a deep depression with crippling anxiety following some life-changing events and I had no idea how to handle it or describe what was happening. “In my mind, I’d lost the plot. I was having constant panic attacks, was struggling to get out of bed and felt like I’d lost all sense of self. “I couldn’t bring myself to talk to anyone because I felt scared of being judged and honestly I thought I was the only person going through it.” Sott said that after 18 months of continuing to sweep it under the rug, it became too much, and led to him attempting suicide. “Once I did reach out to a couple of mates, I realised I wasn’t alone, that I wasn’t weak and that others were going through it, too,” he said. He said the resulting support he received from friends and family, psychologists, counsellors and coaches have all had a huge impact on his life. “I can happily say I’ve had the best year of my life so far. Back then, I never thought I’d be in the position that I am now. I never thought it
Daily run: Connor Scott has run 2500 kilometres for charity Speak & Share. Picture: Yanni
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would pass.” Scott said he knew it was important to empower others to speak up about their mental health. To let people know that “it will pass”. From needing ice packs to treat his many aches and pains and some torn quads, plus lots of extra meals to keep his weight from dropping too much, Scott – a physiotherapist - has suffered (albeit happily) for his quest. “There were many days when I really had to
challenge myself to run 50 kilometres before work. I won’t say it was easy, but it’s been an amazing journey,” he said. Scott’s GoFundMe page is still open, and he is aiming to raise $50,000 for Speak & Share to provide 2500 young people with the opportunity to learn about how the vulnerability is “an act of courage, not weakness”. To donate got to gofundme.com/f/connors50km-for-50-days.
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(03) 5947 4836 Family Family Law specialists Freeman Family Law mily LawAccredited specialists Freeman Law haveand offices in Mornington and Dromana. Mornington Dromana.
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Graeme d caring advice on Family Law or Wills & Estates matters, contact s, contact the team or visit an office. the team or visit an office. Freeman
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(03) 5947 4836 PAGE 12
Mornington News
5 December 2023
(03) 5947 4836
Graeme Freeman
FREEMAN L A W Lauren Croft
F A M I L Y
Graeme Freeman Bradley Jones
Lauren
Annette Croft Harry
