Ne Regional Extra

Page 1

december 18 - 24 | 2013

regional extra >>> 25,000 readers every week

north east

north east jobs www.wangarattachronicle.com.au

circulating in wangaratta, myrtleford, bright, mt beauty, beechworth, yackandandah, rutherglen, chiltern and districts

Delivering hope

OUT AND ABOUT:

Kurt Saggers enjoys being out in the community and sharing his story. PHOTO: Kylie Wilson

GARDENING WITH

MIKE

RSPCA

WITH

RYLEY

inside page 7

FILM

ANCHORMAN 2:

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

WINE TALK WITH

ANITA

By KYLIE WILSON KURT Saggers, who lives with bipolar, is the first to admit his experiences with mental illness have put him through a lot – but they have also blessed him with opportunities to change his life and help others. “I’ve been through the wringer,” he said, relaxing in Wangaratta’s King George Gardens. “My first experience with mental ill health was when I was 19. “I had a drug induced psychosis and I went to Kerferd Clinic in Beechworth.” Kurt said it was one of the darker periods of his life, and a worrying time for both himself and his family. “It was just a scary time, we all went through hell,” he said, lamenting how attitudes to mental health were far different in his youth. “Back in the day, having a mental illness was seen as a weakness.” Treatment and recovery enabled Kurt to establish his own business, The Cat’s Pyjamas, in the early 2000s, making beanbags for events and to sell in a store. But soon enough, work and life pressures built to a point where he realised he once again needed help, and Kurt said he struggled with social anxiety and depression for two years from 2007. It was at this time he came into contact with people from local Mind Australia services, including using their home based outreach services, and he has volunteered as part of their ‘Ambassadors of Hope’ program for the past 18 months. continued page |

3

IF YOU DIDN’T SAVE ENOUGH FOR THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Ph. 1300 368 555 www.wawcu.com.au t/06d07810-v10/50-13

General Advice Warning: In providing you with information you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regards to your particular financial situation and needs. You should consult the Financial Services Guide and the Product & Sevices Terms & Conditions booklet before making a decision to apply for any products. This documentation is available at any WAW Service Centre. WAW AFSL 247 298


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Ne Regional Extra by Provincial Press Group - Issuu