Elsie Lange
Fiona Farrugia has dedicated her life to helping people around her understand mental illness, and to guiding them in finding the support they need.
She grew up in the Macedon Ranges and moved back when she started a family of her own – her knowledge of the place and its people is deep – which is why she seeks to support others through her mental health resource, Community. Connect. Create. (CCC).
CCC is a regularly-updated website listing free or low-cost support and community groups in the ranges, with an option to receive a quarterly PDF of services.
She said it was her own inability to find a list of services and groups in one location which prompted her to create the resource.
“This had me thinking how hard it would be for others to find the connection and supports they need, especially for someone feeling vulnerable and isolated,” Ms Farrugia said.
“Sometimes you might not know what it is you are looking for until you come across it, so I decided to create a space that brings the information all together to give people the power to make an informed choice.”
Ms Farrugia sits on the committee of both P.S. My Family Matters and the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group, so knows a lot about what’s needed in the region.
“I would like to see resources like this across many shires as I believe we can make deep connections within communities but knowing where to go for the information is the first step.”
Details: communityconnectcreate.com.au/.
