Man charged with hindering investigation following shooting – Bankstown

Police will address the media after a man was charged with hindering inquiries as police continue to investigate the shooting of a man in south-west Sydney overnight.

About 10:35pm (Tuesday 25 June 2024), police were called to Bankstown Hospital after a man presented with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

Officers from Bankstown Police Area Command attended and were told the 23-year-old man had been driven to the hospital in a white Audi. The Audi driver then walked the injured man into the hospital’s emergency department.

Police will allege both men are not assisting with their inquiries.

The driver, a 30-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with conceal serious indictable offence, hinder police, and disqualified driving.

The Condell Park man was bail refused to appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday 26 June 2024).

The injured man has since been transferred to another hospital where he is undergoing surgery.

As inquiries into the shooting continue, police are appealing for anyone with information or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area overnight, to come forward.

WHEN: 11am TODAY (Wednesday 26 June 2024)

WHERE: Bankstown Police Station, Meridith Street, Bankstown

WHO: Det A/Supt Darren Sly, Bankstown Police Area Command A/Commander

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Mental Health in Young Men: The Need for Change

As part of International Men’s Health Week, Kids Helpline is urging boys and young men to prioritise their mental health. Tracy Adams, CEO of yourtown, emphasises the importance of this week for fostering a positive culture around mental and emotional well-being, especially for young men.

Key Findings from Kids Helpline

• Help-Seeking Disparity: Young males are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health concerns compared to females. In May, Kids Helpline recorded 57 daily responses from young males versus 195 from females.
• Age Groups: Males aged 19 to 25 are the largest group of male help-seekers (37%), while those aged 15 to 18 are the least likely to seek support.

Societal Stigma and Hyper masculinity

Ms. Adams highlights that societal stigma and the culture of hyper masculinity discourage boys from talking about their emotions and seeking help. Many boys conform to a masculine ideal that values stoicism, toughness, and competitiveness, which has long-term negative effects on their mental health.

The Impact of Reluctance

Reluctance to access mental health support leaves many young men feeling isolated and vulnerable. Kids Helpline counsellors note that this reluctance is often due to the stigma associated with mental health issues and societal expectations of masculinity.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Kids Helpline provides a safe and inclusive space for boys and young men to connect with professional support around the clock. The service aims to change the way boys view mental health and encourage them to reach out for help.

Call to Action

Ms. Adams concludes by urging the community to teach boys that it’s okay to seek help. Emphasising the importance of support, she highlights the need to change societal norms and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in young men.

Contact Information

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, provided by yourtown. It offers free, confidential support via:

• Phone: 1800 55 1800
• Website: Kids Helpline

Conclusion

International Men’s Health Week serves as a crucial reminder to address the mental health needs of young men. By encouraging open conversations and providing accessible support, we can help young men lead healthier, happier lives.

For more health news, click here.

Council Recognised at Local Government Awards

Clarence Valley Council was honoured at the Local Government Professionals Award dinner in Sydney on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The Council emerged as finalists in five categories: Special Project Initiative, Innovative Leadership, Partnership and Collaboration, People Workplace Wellbeing, and the Emerging Leaders category.

The Planning Portal Integration project, aimed at enhancing customer experience and simplifying online application processes, won the Judges Award in the Special Project Initiative category. Clarence Valley Council’s General Manager, Laura Black, expressed immense pride in the contributions of the staff and the positive impact on the community. “Staff have worked hard on making the transition to the NSW Planning Portal as streamlined as possible. Being one of the first councils in the state to complete the integration with our corporate systems, it was great to see it recognized as a winner at the Local Government Professionals Awards,” said Ms. Black.

Nick Harvey, the esteemed Financial Accountant, was a finalist in the Emerging Leader category. Harvey has brought enthusiasm and innovative thinking to the organisation, consistently meeting challenges with unwavering dedication.

The Council’s staff received recognition in the Innovative Leadership category for their efforts in restoring civil infrastructure after eight consecutive natural disasters, completing several years’ worth of work in just one year despite enduring multiple floods and fires.

The Rediscover Grafton project, a great example of the Council’s collaborative efforts, was a finalist in the Partnerships and Collaboration category. Through cooperation with internal teams, local businesses, and community groups, the project revitalised the Grafton CBD, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment and enhancing the main street’s appeal.

Additionally, the Grow Your Own trainee and apprentice program was recognized as a finalist in the People Workplace Wellbeing category. This initiative addresses staffing needs by training apprentices and trainees across various roles, from People and Culture personnel to Plant Mechanics.

“Although we didn’t win an individual category award, being finalists in five categories from hundreds of nominations and receiving one of three special Judges Awards demonstrates that we are delivering on our commitments. The continuous improvements we have implemented in recent years are recognized by our peers,” Ms. Black said.

For more local Clarence Valley news, click here.