Centrelink helps Young suicide prevention group

New South Wales Media Release
Thursday, 5 November 2009

Young Centrelink has helped the Hilltops Suicide Prevention Network find $2,000 by putting them in touch with the Ross Divett Foundation.

The Ross Divett Foundation was established in memory of former Centrelink Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ross Divett, who lost his battle with cancer in 2001.

To honour him, the Foundation was established as a trust where Centrelink staff and others can contribute to the community by supporting cancer research and positive local projects.

Every year the Foundation’s board gives grants to grassroots organisations across the country - groups such as the Hilltops Suicide Prevention Network (HSPN).

Mr Eris Gleeson of the HSPN said Young Centrelink manager, Debbie Longhurst told the network about the Ross Divett Foundation and encouraged them to apply for a grant.

"We applied earlier this year and within 3 months we had been granted $2,000," Mr Gleeson said. "We are certainly delighted that the Ross Divett Foundation was able to assist. We've already used the money to print 3,000 of our contact cards.

"These cards have a list of local numbers that people can call if they need help and support, from the police through to local social workers. They're very popular.

"We distribute them as widely as we can because when it comes to preventing suicide, it really takes a whole community. Thanks to this grant, we have enough to last us up to 18 months.

"The timing was tremendous because we had them ready in time for our recent annual fundraising dinner so everybody who attended left with one."

Young Centrelink manager, Debbie Longhurst said she was happy to help.

"The Hilltops Suicide Prevention Network is all about bringing the community together so nobody feels alone with their problems, and Centrelink's mission is to ensure Australians get help when they need it so it makes a lot of sense that we co-operate."

In 2008 the Ross Divett Foundation gave $107,000 nationwide. Anybody can donate to the Ross Divett Foundation, but the vast majority of its funds come from Centrelink staff through a voluntary payroll deduction.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.