Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (14:41):  My constituency question is for the Minister for Mental Health. Minister, how is the government increasing awareness of mental health services in my electorate of Wendouree?

I recently met Wendouree resident Alan Thorpe and learned of his plans to fundraise for Beyond Blue and raise awareness for men’s mental health. On 19 March Alan set off from Ballarat on a 600 kilometre-plus walk to Adelaide for a cause close to his heart. By mid last week Alan had walked over 342 kilometres, more than 400 000 steps, and crossed into South Australia. Unfortunately after 10 days of pain Alan was forced to cut the walk short.

Congratulations to Alan for raising $11 621, and thank you to the generous donors and sponsors, including Eric and Mel Morris at D2E Gym, Spring H2O water and Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety.

The Ballarat community has rallied behind Alan, and I look forward to the minister sharing how this government is joining them in supporting mental health in Ballarat.

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