22.6 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Specialised help for LGBQTIA+ flood survivors

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

Bay FM community radio celebrates digital upgrade

Volunteers from Byron and across the Northern Rivers celebrated nearly $100,000 worth of new studio equipment at Bay FM Community Radio station on the weekend.

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Zoom meeting

Just to clarify the report that Michael Lyon now declares ‘no’ to developing Ann St and New City Road....

Lismore Labor MP called out over native forest logging

More than five hundred people marched in the rain through Lismore to the local state member’s office in protest against government sanctioned native forest logging on Sunday.

NORPA’s wild ride at Lismore Showgrounds

NORPA is taking audiences on an adventure outside the theatre once again, announcing it will stage its original work Wildskin in a warehouse space at the Lismore Showgrounds. A sensory, destination theatre experience, Wildskin inhabits an outrageous and unpredictable world that’s part bush-thriller, part road-trip and a whole lot of NORPA’s signature theatrical style.

A crisis support service for sexuality and gender diverse communities impacted by the Northern Rivers floods disaster is available.

NSW LGBTQ health organisation ACON launched the service, available by phoning 1800 063 060.

ACON Deputy CEO Karen Price described ‘incredible acts of selflessness’ from some Lismore-based ACON staff.

Ms Price said workers had been engaging with communities in evacuation centres and other places of refuge in the area, despite their own needs as flood survivors.

ACON’s Lismore office was flooded and would be closed until further notice.

The CEO said the enormity of the situation required far more support.

‘ACON has redeployed resources from our Sydney and Hunter offices to offer free, short-term support and assistance to LGBTQ people at this incredibly difficult time,’ Ms Price said in a media release.

‘The service will prioritise crisis support referrals from the Northern Rivers,’ Ms Price said.

The dedicated service was to offer phone or online support either for short-term counselling, initial assessment, and urgent psychological support.

ACON workers would also help link people to local resources, information, and assistance, including financial assistance and accommodation.

‘We know many will be worried about medication, food, clean water, and other immediate needs,’ Ms Price said.

The service was expected to operate until mid-April before a needs reassessment would happen.

Anyone wanting to connect to the Northern Rivers flood crisis ACON service could also visit aconhealth.org.au/intake_form.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

3 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.