Baby, what a ride
They say when a woman gives birth, two people are born; the baby and the new mum. It is a moment described as the happiest feeling in the world, but the highest highs can also mean the lowest lows. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says m…
Fight, flight, or freeze
Trauma is an emotional response to a shocking and distressing event such as exposure to violence, abuse, neglect, an accident or injury, sexual assault, or natural disaster. It is often the result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds the…
Stress is the new norm
Australians are living through one of the most turbulent periods in a century, with most people facing unprecedented changes to the way they live and work. Stress, anxiety and depression have become the normal and expected by-product of this uncertai…
A community kitchen for all
In response to the growing need to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged, coupled with hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forster Tuncurry Community Kitchen launched in July 2020. The kitchen provides free, nutritious meals to anyo…
Shelter from the storm
Jess Storey always planned to live on her own, but the cost of the private rental market left her needing a more affordable arrangement. “I’ve always had a permanent, stable job in retail but I still couldn’t afford to live on my own,” said the 36-ye…
Friends in need
We do not need academic evidence to realise that COVID-19 isolation resulting from quarantine, community restrictions, and social distancing, is triggering mental health challenges. Statistics on loneliness before COVID-19 were already concerning, pa…