Garry Sharp commenced operations as the Salvo's Tassie Drought-Outreach worker in April 2008. Operationlivingwaters has been under way in South Australia and Victoria for nearly three years. Garry believes the existence of the Tasmanian program can be traced to the combined efforts of 8X5, former TFGA CEO Bruce Williams and local Southern Midlands Councillor John Jones. Until recently there had been no other agency providing a similar service in the central and southern districts of rural Tasmania.
Gary Sharp's geographical area of operations encompass the Southern and Northern Midlands, Central Highlands, Derwent, East Coast districts and the South East. To date there are over 100 families on Garry's books. He freely admits he is overcommitted, and is seeking an additional Salvation Army counsellor or officer to assist in ongoing operations. His position mandate centres around families and children, elderly people and farmers.
His client group incorporates farmers and graziers of varying business sizes, farm labourers, shearers, livestock transporters and staff involved in local businesses. Much of his work is focussed around provision of emotional support. However, there is increasing demand for financial support for household expences such as payment of phone and electricity accounts, vouchers for household items, and provision of drinking water. The Salvation Army has set up an arrangement with local IGA stores for grocery vouchers. They have also made available fuel vouchers so the likes of elderly people and parents with children can get to neccessary appointments (such as doctor's), and so they can also enjoy a reasonable lifestyle.
Gary supported children at regional schools. School-related activities have encompassed initiating and supporting school breakfast clubs in Oatlands and Campbell Town which according to staff have translated into positive social and educational outcomes for their children. Garry has also assisted school children in these regions financially to go on school holiday camps.
As indicated, Garry's main task has been orientated around councelling and providing both emotional support and sometimes pastoral care where requested. He relies extensively upon referrals from friends and family of those suffering, as well as district professionals. He is finding that mental health issues are becoming more common. Garry has observed a decline in morale amongst the farming community since he has been in the position. There is certainly more depression becoming evident. He thinks that many people don't understand what depression is. Even children are becoming depressed as they witness what their parents are experiencing. In short, Garry feels that there is a need for more service people on the ground in this area. He heartily welcomes the new Rurai Alive and Well counsellor Vyv Alomes.
Garry can be contacted on 6236 9933 or 0458 959 820 or email Garry.Sharp@salvationarmy.org
This article has been reproduced from the 8X5 Wool Profit Program newsletter.