The Thomas More Society has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of two Christian counsellors in Lincoln, Nebraska. The group says a city ordinance bans counselling that aims to change a person's gender identity, and that it puts counsellors at risk of jail and losing their licence. Lawyers for the group point to a March ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court against a similar Colorado law. The group says Lincoln refused to repeal its ordinance.
The Sunshine Youth Hub will hold its official opening on Friday, 30 October, from 6PM to 10PM at 10/17 Third Avenue, Sunshine. The free event will include food, music and activities. The hub aims to give young people a safe space to connect and access support. From its first day, it will offer counselling, cultural awareness sessions, youth employment services and study support. More programs will follow in coming months. The hub was made possible through support from the AusUnity Aid team.
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia is calling on the Australian Government to expand counselling access for veterans. The call follows an appearance by its chief executive, Johanna de Wever, before a parliamentary body.
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Australian Red Cross volunteers are offering face-to-face psychological support in Wangaratta today, after an alleged attack on local MP Helen Haines. Ms Haines was pinned between two vehicles after an event in Mansfield and her leg was amputated. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is due to face court today, charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury. Several hundred people attended a vigil in Wangaratta on Tuesday, and virtual vigils are planned nationwide.
A counsellor who lost her own baby says talking about pregnancy and infant loss can help people process grief and feel less alone. She credits Bears of Hope with changing her grief after she was given its details at hospital. She says the service offered free counselling from counsellors with lived experience of loss, along with an online community of bereaved parents. She encourages anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss to reach out to the organisation.
Grief is not only caused by death. Any kind of loss can trigger it, including the end of a marriage, a career change or children moving out. Sydney counsellor Kerry McCarthy says people often feel unsupported when their loss is not recognised by others. The feature suggests acknowledging sadness, practising self-care, leaning on understanding friends and family, and speaking with a GP or counsellor. Grief Australia offers further online resources.
Three small businesses in the New England and North Coast region are highlighted for Small Business Month. Goat Rock Bush Camping Ground, near Texas, offers unpowered camping on a working sheep farm, with granite lookouts and a café open most Sundays. Little Acres Co, founded by Manilla mum Emily Gall, makes baby and children's clothing from organic cotton. Dixie and Thyme Counselling in Tamworth provides counselling for people aged 12 to 30, along with couples and families.
Three New England businesses are being highlighted for Small Business Month. Dixie and Thyme Counselling in Tamworth, owned by social worker Dana-Jade Dunn, offers face-to-face and telehealth support for people aged 12 to 30, couples and families. Little Acres Co, founded by Emily Gall at Upper Manilla, makes organic cotton baby and children's clothing inspired by country life. Goat Rock Bush Camping Ground, about 16 kilometres south of Texas, sits on an 8,000-acre working sheep farm and is owned by Vicki Croft.
Rural Aid is encouraging farmers and rural communities to check in on one another during Mental Health Month, saying connection can help when pressures build. A Pulse of the Paddock survey found 94 per cent of farmers said community was important for accessing services, while 38 per cent identified barriers to getting help. Rural Aid mental health manager Myf Pitcher said access to counsellors who understand rural life matters. Dairy farmer Jason Cousins, from Singleton, said speaking openly about feelings had given him relief. Rural Aid's free mental health support is available to farmers and their families.
