Waves of hope for troubled minds ON and around World Mental Health Day on 10 October Mornington Peninsula police showcased the work of Sergeant Barry Randall, who founded Operation Soul Surf. When it comes to healing the mind, water and waves are the best healers. From early in his career, Randall became aware of the impact policing can have on a person’s mental health, describing “high highs and low lows” during his nearly 30 years at Victoria Police. Not long into his career, an attempt on Randall's life in 1995 ended in a fatal police shooting. Nightmares followed, as did insomnia and PTSD; a diagnosis that encouraged Randall to leave the country, and then return to the Mornington Peninsula where he could be closer to the beach. While he knew the benefits of surfing for his own wellbeing, it wasn’t until he watched a documentary on surf therapy that he had a lightbulb moment. Soon after, Operation Soul Surf was born – based at Point Leo - with the help of the East Coast Surf School, surf outlets and sponsors. Designed for first responders and military veterans, each free program includes four two-hour lessons and a post-surf meal where participants bond over shared experiences. “Learning to surf is very physical, very immersive. They (participants) can get out of their own heads for a while, which resonates with so many of us,” Randall said. Since its launch in 2021, Operation Soul Surf has supported 120 first responders and veterans impacted by PTSD and trauma. If you or someone you know needs crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline. org.au/. If a life is in danger, call triple zero (000). Current and former Victoria Police employees and their families can also access wellbeing services at bluespacewellbeing.com.au/ Liz Bell
Keeping dust down ANYONE living on an unsealed road in the Mornington Peninsula can be part of the dust suppression program. The program aims to alleviate concerns about living or driving on dry, dusty roads. In response to requests for dust suppression, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council annually selects sections of unsealed and gravel roads, particularly important for community assets or roads used as a thoroughfare. Applications are now open for the dust suppression program. Any resident can put forward their application by visiting the website at mornpen.vic.gov.au/dustsuppression Applications close on 19 November and the program begins in early December. A list of where dust suppression was applied last year is at: mornpen.vic.gov.au/dustsuppression The mayor Cr Steve Holland said the weather bureau had declared that El Nino is underway “so we’re in for a hot, dry summer”. “That means our unsealed roads may be extra dusty, resulting in low visibility for drivers. Please drive to the conditions and if you live on an unsealed road, submit your application to be part of the Dust Suppression Program,” he said.
Anti-Poverty Week
Surf therapy: Sergeant Barry Randall, pictured at Point Leo, knows that salt water and waves are a good elixir for restorative health. Picture: Supplied
Patterson Lakes Tennis Club Grounds corner Thompsons Rd & Learmonth Rd
13th OCT - 5th NOV 7.30pm WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS 2.30pm & 6.30pm SATURDAYS
MEMBERS of Mornington VIEW Club haver urged the community to give generously during Anti-Poverty week (15 – 21 October) and sponsor a child through the national children’s education charity, The Smith Family. The focus of this Anti-Poverty week is to end child poverty in Australia. The club helps eight children through The Smith Family’s Learning For Life program, which provides families with long term educational, financial and personal assistance. The club says one in six children in Australia live in poverty. To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366.
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get your tickets at or call 0413 880 044
Shop 1, 101 High Street, Hastings. P: 5979 1511 Western Port News
18 October 2023
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