Community crisis centres are set-up at Branxton and Singleton for anyone who needs support following the Greta bus crash tragedy at the weekend.
Just after 11.30pm on Sunday 11 June, a Singleton-bound coach, carrying 36 people from a Lovedale wedding, overturned at the roundabout on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off ramp.
Tragically, 10 people were declared dead with another 25 transported to hospitals in Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney via helicopter and ambulances.
Cessnock City Council is operating a Community Crisis Centre with trained mental health workers at the Branxton Community Hall on Bowen Street from 10am until 4pm.
Singleton Council has also established a facility at the Singleton Youth Venue, corner of Bathurst and Pitt streets, between 9am and 4pm.
The centres bring together support resources from the Hunter New England Local Health District, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and chaplaincy services in one location.
Cessnock City mayor Jay Suvaal said it was important people took care of their mental health and maintained connections with their community at this time.
“We are a tight-knit community here in the Hunter Valley,” he added.
“This is something that has sent shockwaves right across our region.
“I know there are a lot of people who need support at this time, which is why council has opened a Community Crisis Centre.
“It will have a range of mental health first aid, disaster response, senior mental health clinicians and support resources, from multiple service providers.
“They’ll be available for anyone who requires it.”
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