Darwin’s struggling fishing workers offered mental health support

A NEW pilot program has started offering mental health support to Darwin’s struggling commercial fishing industry after a difficult year navigating challenges posed by COVID-19

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A NEW pilot program has started offering mental health support to Darwin’s struggling commercial fishing industry after a difficult year navigating challenges posed by COVID-19.

The program — run by the Seafood Industry Australia — provides training and resources to help identify and respond to mental health issues in Darwin’s fishing workers.

After almost a 50 years in the industry, Australia Bay Seafoods general manager Michael O’Brien said its definitely been one of the hardest years the sector had faced due to COVID.

A familiar face at the Fisherman’s Wharf duck pond, Mr O’Brien is among three people recently appointed as a local mental health support co-ordinator for the program.

“I feel mental health assistance is not happening within fishing at any level quick enough, and I know the industry needs support,” Mr O’Brien said.

Michael O’Brien said it has been one of the hardest years the commercial fishing industry has ever faced due to the pressures of COVID-19. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

“There’s pressure being faced from all sections — fisheries management, crew shortages, COVID-19, climate change — and you can see it build up.

“I want to give industry and its people the knowledge and assistance to seek help from the right people. To let industry know they are not alone and do not need to be embarrassed to discuss mental health.

“Even if it is only one person who seeks help it will be well worth the effort.”

Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta said research shows Australia’s commercial fishers experience twice the base-rate of psychological stress of any other sector.

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If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one, please contact the NT Mental Health Line on 1800 682 288 for advice or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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