NEWS DESK
It’s OK to be in the swim for charity Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au CONNOR Sahaley has returned to his roots to complete two gruelling fundraising challenges for the It’s okay, not to be okay charity. The 22-year-old, who has had his own mental health challenges, including the loss of a Red Hill business during COVID-19 lockdowns, has also known many in his peer group who have struggled with issues of self-esteem, identity and life in general. Knowing that he wanted to help, Mr Sahaley has been focused on raising money to help reach others struggling with the pressures of life and uncertain times. Mr Sahaley says he found his level of self-awareness and awakening while challenging himself physically and emotionally during a 24-hour, 111 kilometre walk in June last year from Frankston pier to Sorrento and back. A friend of one of the founders of the peninsula-based suicide-prevention charity, It’s okay, not to be okay, Mr Sahaley raised $8500 through his walk, and was inspired by his success and the community’s generosity to take on the challenge of a bayside swim. His aim is to show young people that there can be strength from struggle. Just recently he completed a swim challenge along the peninsula’s beaches that saw him swim nine kilometres every day for nine days, swim-
‘Peaceful’ protest MORNINGTON police officers spoke to a group of up to 60 people during a protest in Main Street on Sunday but were happy with demonstrators’ behaviour. Sergeant Christopher Stock said the group - protesting against state government vaccine mandates and unvaccinated people being refused entry to businesses and events - was peaceful and did not disrupt trade or pedestrian traffic as they performed a “sit-in” from 11.30am to about 5pm. “We went down to talk to them and they assured us they were peaceful and were going to have a picnic, and they are well within their rights to do that,” he said.
On-water issues
CONNOR Sahaley is putting his efforts into helping young people struggling with mental health issues. ming at least 2.5 hours every morning and raising about $11,000. “One thing for sure these challenges have taught me is that to be vulnerable is to grow, that we have to face challenges to know how to move forward, and so being involved in this has helped me feel like I’m doing something for others, but also doing something for myself,” Mr Sahaley said.
“I like the ability to challenge myself and to move myself and discover what I’m capable of. “I’ve learned that insecurities are normal, it’s part of life, it’s part of growing.” It’s okay, not to be okay was founded by a peninsula family who lost a son and brother to suicide. The organisation aims to bring the important conversations of mental
health, suicide prevention and grief to the community by hosting events, running social media campaigns and selling merchandise. Money raised is used by the organisation to run community-based programs around mental health, grief and suicide prevention. To donates to It’s okay, not to be okay go to itsokaynottobeokay.com. au/
WATER police, uniformed officers from Mornington, marine rescue volunteers and the coast guard were part of a community engagement day at Mothers Beach on Saturday to talk to recreational boat users about marine safety, including the use of flares and life jackets. Six Volunteer Marine Rescue vessels were there on show, and there were some freebies and information for children and adults to make sure people are always safe on the water. Police also checked vehicles and trailers for compliance.
Moneky bikes POLICE are calling on the public to help in a crackdown on monkey bikes and other unregistered motorised bikes. Concerns about illegal motorbikes can be reported to police stations or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 0300.
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PADUA COLLEGE YEAR 7 2022 DISCOVERY TOURS
Prospective families are invited to come and experience a taste of the curriculum, sporting, cultural and spiritual life that Padua College can offer your child. Meet our staff, see the school in action and learn more about plans for building a new Year 7-8 Centre at Mornington and smaller class sizes.
2024 ENROLMENTS
Open: 1 February 2022 Close: 13 May 2022
Enrol online
Register your interest for a 2022 school tour
Discounts apply for birthday parties, farewell parties and group bookings. Mornington News
1 February 2022
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