The unprecedented circumstances that continue to unfold in the Porepunkah area since Tuesday's tragic deaths of two policemen and ongoing search for suspect Dezi Freeman may be distressing to many people in the local community. Alpine Shire Council is highlighting that there are a range of online wellbeing resources from the Australian Red Cross now accessible to support you, including: - After a distressing event has happened (available in 10 languages) - www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/looking-after-yourself/english/ - Coping with a major personal crisis - www.redcross.org.au/globalassets/cms/downloads/pdfs/disaster-plan/coping-with-a-major-personal-crisis-booklet.pdf - Coping with a major personal crisis (easy English version) www.redcross.org.au/globalassets/cms/downloads/pdfs/disaster-plan/easy-english-coping-booklet-web.pdf - Wellbeing Toolkit - www.redcross.org.au/globalassets/cms/first-aid/21070-arc-wellbeing-toolkit--v2-hr.pdf - Helping children and young people cope with crisis - www.redcross.org.au/globalassets/cms/downloads/pdfs/disaster-plan/19060-red-crisis-children-booklet-d11-176x250-web.pdf - Parenting – coping with crisis - www.redcross.org.au/globalassets/cms/downloads/pdfs/shella/19060-red-crisis-parents-booklet-d10-web.pdf These tools are free, and designed to help you and your loved ones navigate difficult times. If you don’t have a computer, device or internet at home, council's libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi. Council says it will keep the community updated on further resources and support as they become available. Please continue to look after one another, and remember there are free, confidential mental health services available on the numbers below: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 headspace (ages 12–25) – 1800 650 890 Parentline (parents/carers) – 13 22 89 MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 Bush Support Line (rural/remote support) – 1800 805 391 FRIDAY: PUBLIC FACILITIES UPDATE Council services in Bright have resumed, with the Bright Library, Alpine Visitor Information Centre, Council Customer Service Centre, and Bright Sports Centre all reopening Friday morning. The Porepunkah Transfer Station remains closed until further notice. Council's cleaning contractor will recommence limited cleaning services in Bright today, during daylight hours only. Council thanks you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this evolving situation. Please continue to follow police advice, look after one another, and stay safe.
