By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY schools have succeeded in a campaign to have suicide prevention barriers erected between Berwick and Hallam train stations.
Rail service Metro has received Commonwealth funding to erect the barriers along the railway line following two years of lobbying by the local schools.
The installation of the preventative fencing will be completed by the end of June and will be placed intermittently between the Hallam, Narre Warren and Berwick stations.
In 2012 a forum on youth suicide in the City of Casey was convened by Federal MP Anthony Byrne after the region was rocked by a series of incidents which affected Beaconhills College, St Francis Xavier College, Berwick Secondary College and Kambrya College.
Kambrya College principal Michael Muscat said the barriers had been one of the priority suggestions that came from meetings held between representatives from the schools.
“We had a really bad patch with youth suicide in the local area and lots of suggestions came up to deal with this because the schools really worked together,” Mr Muscat said
“We met frequently and sought advice from the best experts going around.”
In the mid-2000s former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks campaigned to have similar preventative measures erected on the West Gate Bridge.
Prevention barriers may be able to delay negative thoughts just long enough to save a life, Mr Muscat said.
“The thing I pushed the hardest for was some barriers to go along the railway. I found that the access was just so open,” Mr Muscat said.
“My belief is that you can delay that impulse just for a couple of minutes, even just inconvenience it – that can save a life.”
The Kambrya College principal commended both political parties at state and federal level for their response to the community campaign.
“We’re delighted that the government has responded in a practical way and also that the whole issue has just settled a little in the local area,” Mr Muscat said.
“We’re still absolutely vigilant, there are still worrying situations with students but that heightened concern we had 12-18 months ago has eased a little bit, that’s a tremendous thing.”
Those in need of immediate assistance or who need someone they can trust to talk to can phone Lifeline on 131 119.
