Western Sydney receives lockdown support thanks to John Holland donation
by Cecilia Harris
As Western Sydney continues to live through lockdown due to the most recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, John Holland has partnered with Lifeline and Western Sydney Community Forum to provide urgent mental health support and access to resources for families.
John Holland will donate $50,000 to Lifeline to bolster the mental health support agency through unprecedented demand, and a further $50,000 to Western Sydney Community Forum to help isolated families gain access to laptops and computers.
John Holland CEO Joe Barr said the people of Western Sydney are integral to how the company delivers its works, and supporting the Western Sydney community is a huge priority.
“More than 700 of our Sydney employees and 1700 subcontractors are based in Western Sydney, and we recognise that this has been an incredibly hard time for them and their community,” he said.
“At a time when Lifeline is experiencing a record number of calls, it is important to me that we help them continue the critical support they provide to people who are suffering.
“Construction has a higher rate of suicide than any other industry, so the importance of Lifeline’s work is close to my heart.”
Supporting Australians through lockdown
Lifeline Australia Chair John Brogden said the donation from John Holland is timely, as the volunteer-based mental health support team faces record call-ins from people in need.
“This generous donation couldn’t have come at a more important time, helping us support more Australians than ever through the loneliness and anxiety of lockdowns in NSW and across the country. This will save lives,” he said.
“The support of corporate leaders like John Holland is keeping our volunteers there for those in Western Sydney and around the country who have been pushed into crisis, our volunteers are working harder than ever to support people any time they need it.”
Western Sydney Community Forum CEO Billie Sankovic said the donation will be used to provide much-needed technological equipment to community groups and needy families and to increase local and targeted community mental health services.
"As a major regional partner and employer in Western Sydney, John Holland is key to our social fabric and we deeply welcome this important contribution towards community health and wellbeing at this important time,” he said.
“This generous donation to locally based and trusted community organisations at the frontline and at the grassroots will boost services to safeguard mental health and provide digital access.
“This will ensure that local people get the support they need when they need it.”
Western Sydney Community Forum will use the donation to fund five local organisations delivering on-the-ground mental health support services such as counselling, outreach and emergency support, as well as 50 digital devices for local community groups to increase service reach and distribute to families in need.
