Published: 15 Oct 2015
In spruiking Labor’s mental health policy Member for Charlton Pat Conroy gave an organisation close to the MUA’s heart – Hunterlink Recovery Services – a special mention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--f8hYhQaaI
In line with mental health month, Conroy spoke about the need for specialised mental health providers such as Hunterlink.
“Hunterlink has grown from a small mental health service provider in Newcastle to a national service with a 24-hour hotline and an employment assistance program,” he said.
“The service endeavours to provide individualised support to maritime workers, maritime stakeholders, related industries and the local community. They do not turn anyone away and they are particularly proud of that fact.
“Hunterlink also reaches out to international seafarers visiting Australian waters. This was recently highlighted when the coal vessel Sage Sagittarius docked in Newcastle. Hunterlink was able to provide counselling to the crew, who had lost three seafarers under very unusual circumstances.
“Gavin Kelso, Hunterlink's CEO, is dedicated to reaching beyond Australian waters and looking to the future, hoping to help at-risk seafarers struggling with a mental illness, regardless of where the ship is sailing.”
