A WIMMERA mental health outreach worker has criticised Victoria's Mental Health Royal Commission for missing the region on its list of community consultations.
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The royal commission is hosting forums and community consultations across April and May, and went to Hamilton on April 11 and 12. Commissioners will visit Mildura and Swan Hill on May 1.
Mal Coutts said he was concerned feedback from Wimmera residents might be missed.
"I'm part of the outreach team and that's what we're doing - reaching out to people who aren't getting looked after under the current system," he said.
"If you're living 30 kilometres out of one of our towns in the Wimmera, sometimes just to get into a clinical service, you have to take an hour to get there, another to get home and time off work - so it becomes a half-day adventure."
Mr Coutts said he hoped the commissioners tried to understand the general population in rural Victoria and their unique problems.
"Sometimes it's just the availability of someone to talk to and share their experience; someone non-judgmental who can steer them in the direction that's needed to help fix that problem," he said.
The royal commission's chairwoman Penny Armytage said the community consultations were just one way people could share their experiences.
"Last week we launched a new portal that allows people to share their contributions online as a written submission, images, video or audio content," she said.
"To have your say and to stay up to date with the Royal Commission's activities visit www.rcvmhs.vic.gov.au."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Mental Health Minister Martin Foley released the terms of reference for the royal commission on February 24.
It is due to produce an interim report by November 30 that details issues the next steps to guide improved mental health outcomes and reform efforts.
A final report is due by October 31, 2020.
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