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Portland Foreshore boardwalk officially ready to use

A key piece of the multi-million dollar transformation of the Portland Foreshore is now ‘christened’, with the Honourable Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing officially opening the Portland Foreshore Connecting Paths project to the public last week.

Minister Shing was joined onsite by Deputy Mayor Cr Scott Martin and dignitaries this morning to open the Connecting Paths to locals and visitors alike.

The project has seen the extension of the current accessible pathways from the Youth Activity and Skate Space, right through to the Nun’s Beach precinct. It has also seen the construction of new over-water boardwalks at the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre and Town Jetty, creating a whole new experience for users of all abilities visiting the Foreshore area.

Cr Martin said it was an exciting milestone for the Glenelg Shire, with benefits of the project already being felt.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Hon. Minister Shing to Portland today to officially open these key pieces of community infrastructure,” he said.

“With the pathways and overwater boardwalks now complete, it is with great pride that we can offer a fully integrated and accessible Foreshore precinct for all to utilise and enjoy.

“It has been wonderful to see so many families and visitors already making the most of the concrete pathways which were finished earlier this year - we now see the Foreshore regularly alive with bikes, scooters and wheelchairs.

“The recent completion of the over-water boardwalks will compliment the existing pathways and provide a unique advantage for our region, and further cement Portland’s status as a regional tourism destination of choice.

“We look forward to seeing our Foreshore well-utilised, with opportunities for people of allabilities, ahead of the peak summer visitation period.”

The Portland Foreshore Connecting Paths project is funded through the Victorian Government’s Building Works Program and the Glenelg Shire Council.

ON THE BOARDWALK: (Above rear) Acting Glenelg Shire CEO Paul Phelan and project contractor David Carr of GR Carr and (front) project manager Linda Dean, Minister Harriet Shing, Deputy Mayor Cr Scott Martin, and project contractor Peter Carr of GR Carr

headspace Mount Gambier is encouraging young people to slow down and take time to prioritise their mental health this headspace Day. headspace Day on October 5 is an annual national day of awareness about the mental health and wellbeing of young people, and the ways their family and friends can support them.

This year’s theme is ‘Pause. Reflect. Reconnect’, and headspace Mount Gambier marked the occasion by offering a free ten-pin bowling activity at Kaboom! Family Entertainment for 12-25 year olds this Tuesday. headspace Mount Gambier centre manager Tasja Barelds says this is an important date for all members of the community but particularly young people and those with young people in their lives. “headspace day is always a great occasion for us to put on something special for the amazing young people in our community and the people who use our service,” she said. “We like to celebrate this occasion by having fun with young people and promote ways for people to take care of themselves and stay on top of things.”

Young person Ally Finnis, from the headspace Mount Gambier Youth Reference Group, shared some of their strategies for slowing down and reconnecting in tough times.

“Between work, family, and other commitments in life, it can sometimes start to feel like everything is piling up on top of you,” Ally said. “I’ve learned that, when I notice I’m beginning to get overwhelmed, it’s really helpful for me to try and hit pause, step back and reflect on what’s going on, and try to reconnect with something that I enjoy. That’s why the theme of this year’s headspace Day really resonates with me.

“I hope that everyone will join with headspace Mount Gambier in celebrating headspace and all the amazing young people in our community this October, and in recognising the importance of connecting with the people and activities that uplift us, especially when things get tough.” headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said many young people in Australia have experienced a number of challenges over the past couple of years, including COVID-19, lockdowns and natural disaster. “Many of the young people coming to headspace tell us they feel busy, stressed and anxious about everyday life,” Mr Trethowan said. “Young people, their families and friends who need more support can visit their local headspace centre or connect with mental health professionals online at headspace.org.au.” headspace encourages any young person, family, or friends in need of support to visit their local headspace centre. Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890. TVWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5