Latest news with #Swamy
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Essentially shut': health authorities deny child mental health service in crisis
More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community". More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community". More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community". More than 300 Aboriginal children and young people are missing out on mental health care in the Hunter, insiders say, but Hunter New England Health denies the specialist clinic's "effective closure". The youngsters, aged three to 18, experience conditions like psychosis, personality disorders and extreme anxiety, along with self harm and suicidal thoughts. They had been treated at an Aboriginal-specific service at James Fletcher Hospital. The service, named Wiyiliin Ta, was now "essentially shut", a senior health professional said. Insiders said most of its 10 staff had left after a dispute with Hunter New England Health management over the running of the service. "On paper, Wiyiliin Ta appears to exist. But it's not providing direct clinical care. "This is the effective closure of a CAMHS [Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service] site." Dr Anand Swamy, Hunter New England Health's executive director, denied this. "The Wiyiliin Ta mental health service continues to deliver specialised, culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal children and adolescents," Dr Swamy said. Hunter New England Health advertised a job last month for a "senior Aboriginal mental health clinician" at Wiyiliin Ta. The advertisement said the role would be part of "a specialised Aboriginal mental health service". "We are actively recruiting to vacancies within the Wiyiliin Ta mental health service," Dr Swamy said. "We are moving to a shared leadership model between Aboriginal Mental Health and the Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service." Wiyiliin Ta began operating in 1997. "It was the only Aboriginal-specific service in NSW for many years," an insider said. It had been based at Tara Lodge at James Fletcher Hospital for about a decade, but is no longer there. The site had an Aboriginal flag and art, bush tucker garden, smoking ceremonies and an outdoor space. "There was always a guarantee that an Aboriginal person would be involved in the treatment," an insider said. "It was integrated into the Aboriginal community as a safe entry point. Now there is no safe entry point." Dr Swamy said Wiyiliin Ta had been co-located with the Aboriginal Mental Health Service, "based primarily at Calvary Mater Newcastle". This was done to "further enhance cultural safety and support". "This move has fostered a more connected and supportive environment for our dedicated team members," Dr Swamy said. The insiders said most of the 300 children that had been treated at Wiyiliin Ta would not use "mainstream mental health services". "There's still a lot of fear for Aboriginal people linked to the history of racism and removal of children," one insider said. "We're seeing a return to an antiquated model when it comes to Aboriginal access to specialist care. "Yet there's been ongoing findings from coroners and government inquiries that Aboriginal people need specific services to meet their cultural needs." Suicide rates among Indigenous people aged up to 24 are more than three times as high as non-Indigenous Australians. Key causes of psychological distress for Aboriginal people are racism and intergenerational trauma. Wiyiliin Ta provided a "connection to culture" that helped protect young people facing complex mental health difficulties. It also helped those involved in the criminal justice system. The insiders said the health service had not informed the Aboriginal community or consulted them about the situation at Wiyiliin Ta. Dr Swamy said: "We continue to work with our Aboriginal partner agencies and the community".
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Minister flays YSRCP regime for ignoring transport sector
Kondapi: Social Welfare Minister Dr Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy announced that the coalition government has reduced green tax on transport vehicles as promised, benefiting people across all sections of society. On Sunday, representatives from the Singarayakonda Lorry Owners Association met the minister at his camp office in Turpu Naidupalem to express gratitude for the green tax reduction. The delegation honoured the minister with garlands during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Swamy criticised the previous YSR Congress Party government for imposing an unbearable burden on vehicle owners by increasing the green tax from Rs 15000 to Rs 20000. He said that over the past five years, the transport sector in the state had suffered due to rising petrol and diesel prices on one side and increased taxes on the other. The minister noted that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who had observed the problems of transport vehicle owners while in opposition, promised to reduce green tax upon coming to power. Swamy claimed that they have fulfilled that promise within a year of assuming office. He said that the coalition government is implementing all its commitments with the goal of development and welfare for all sections of society. AP Lorry Owners Association State Vice-President, Singarayakonda Lorry Association President Chigurupati Seshagiri, Secretary Patel, Subba Rao, and others were part of the delegationthat met the minister.
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
1,000 non-Hindus working in TTD, asserts Bhanu Prakash
Tirupati: Strongly defending Union minister of state for home affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar's allegations that 1,000 non-Hindus are working in TTD, BJP leader and TTD trust board member G Bhanu Prakash Reddy sought a door-to-door survey of TTD employees to find out non-Hindus working in TTD. Criticising YSRCP senior leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy for finding fault with Sanjay Kumar's statement, he dared him, who was also former TTD chairman, to press for the door-to-door survey. 'There are 22,000 employees, including contract and outsourced and regular, in which many are still practising other religious faiths in their homes. I myself asked the management to take up a door-to-door survey to find out those TTD employees following other religion during TTD board meetings,' he said. He said such employees work in TTD, a Hindu religious institution, but reluctant to take Swamy vari prasadam or harathi. He wanted Karunakar Reddy stop deriving political mileage out of Sanjay Kumar's statement and extend his support to clean the TTD administration. He further said people will not forget the irregularities that had taken place in TTD during YSRCP rule 2019-24 and also appointing a Nasthika (non-believer) as TTD chairman.
Hans India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Minister counters YSRCP's ‘misleading campaign'
Kondapi: SocialWelfare Minister Dr Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy strongly criticised YSRCP leaders for spreading 'falsehoods' under the guise of public meetings, responding to statements made at a YSRCP gathering in Kondapi on Friday. In a press statement, Minister Swamy accused YSRCP leaders of continuing their 'shameless lies' despite public rejection in recent elections. He claimed the current coalition government has achieved more development and welfare in one year than YSRCP accomplished in five years. He said that unlike Jagan's deceptive practices, the coalition government is implementing all poll promises despite the state's financial difficulties. The Minister launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, calling his 'Navaratnalu' scheme 'nine deceptions.' He predicted YSRCP would join the list of parties that disappear from state politics after the 2029 elections. Swamy also targeted YSRCP Kondapi in-charge Adimulapu Suresh, referencing his previous electoral defeats and constituency changes. Suresh has already switched three constituencies. Where will he flee next time, he questioned. He criticised Roja for remaining silent on attacks against women during YSRCP's tenure, while now making senseless statements after her defeat. Dr Swamy claimed that the entire Kondapi constituency is progressing rapidly under coalition rule, with residents living peacefully. He asserted there is no place for YSRCP's politics or rowdy elements in the region.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Kandadevi temple car festival conducted peacefully in Sivaganga
1 2 Sivaganga: The temple car festival and procession of the Arulmigu Sornamoortheeswarar Temple in Kandadevi in Sivaganga district passed off in a peaceful manner amid tight security arrangements on Tuesday. State cooperation minister K R Periyakaruppan inaugurated the car festival. The temple car festival procession was held from 6.15am to 7.45am with the participation of devotees of all communities. The temple cars, with the deities, both Swamy and Amman, were pulled by the 'Vadams' (ropes) by devotees with religious fervour. "Due to law and order issues, the Kandadevi temple car festival was not held from 1998 to 2001. Later, it was held in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006, with the festival not conducted in 2003 due to disputes. Subsequently, reasons like renovation work, consecration ceremony, work for a new temple car, Covid-19 pandemic, etc., led to delays and disruptions in the festival being held over the years," recalled Periyakaruppan. The minister highlighted that it was only on the instructions of chief minister M K Stalin in 2023 that different factions were united and the Kandadevi temple car festival was held peacefully last year on June 21, 2024, after 17 years. More than 2,000 police personnel and CCTV cameras had been deployed for security and crowd management and no untoward incidents were reported. Sivaganga district collector K Porkodi, ADGP law and order Davidson Devasirvatham, Ramanathapuram DIG P Moorthy, Sivaganga SP (in charge) G Chandeesh, and other senior police and Hindu religious and charitable endowments department officials participated.
