STEPPING forward to support the Bricks for Life campaign are
builders Scott Young, Lloyd Mirtschin and Kane Wilson.
THE campaign to build a mental health safe house in Griffith is gaining momentum, with two local builders stepping forward to offer their services.
Builders Scott Young and Lloyd Mirtschin said they consider the idea worth backing. When they heard about the Bricks for Life campaign, both agreed it was something needed in the city.
"We talked about it over smoko the next day and knowing how many local people are touched by it, we thought 'why not?'," Mr Young said. "If it ever gets to the stage where builders are needed then we'd be happy to help out."
Mr Mirtschin said he had lost a mate to suicide and hopes the building can help others. "Everyone you talk to has been affected by it, it's a horrible thing," he said. "If this house only saves one life then I reckon it will be worth building it."
While Murrumbidgee MP Adrian Piccoli and local MLC Tony Catanzariti congratulated Suicide Awareness president Val Rowe, they indicated staffing could be a possible hurdle. "I support it if it's part of a co-ordinated approach dealing with mental health in Grifffith," Mr Piccoli said.
Mrs Rowe said the issue of staffing did not deter her. "Any really worthwhile project has potential obstacles and we are looking at how to overcome them," she said.
"I think the fact that people are keen to support it shows depression can affect anyone at any time. The more support we can get from all other tradesmen in town will be greatly appreciated. We have a point to prove and with their help we can do it."
Story by Tanya Pattison, The Area News, Monday March 17 2006. |
