I lost my 16 year old son to suicide in April 2020, during the first of Dan Andrew’s record six lockdowns.

Louie might have been ground zero in the suicide statistics that were a consequence of the inhumane lockdowns that impacted our young people, but tragically, he is now one of many. 

Last weekend my son would have turned 21.

Instead, our family and his many friends had a fundraiser to support youth mental health charities. We raised over $25,000 for local regional mental health services that have been left decimated by recent cuts by the State Government.

I don't want anymore young people to be a statistic like Louie, I don’t want anymore families to suffer the existential shattering that occurs when you loose a child to suicide.

His dad, his little sister and me - will never be the same. We have been to hell and back and I have chosen to share our story in the hope that Louies’ death is not in vain. 

But today we are in shock.

How can a divisive ex-premier in Andrews,  who has wreaked havoc on Victoria, presided over the longest lockdowns in the world with the highest suicide rates,  be appointed to chair ‘Orygen’,  a prominent and respected youth mental health body.

The optics alone are horrendous.

It’s like Orygen and the ex premier are gaslighting the most vulnerable people in our state.

It’s unbelievable and I’m asking for your support to reverse this.

Orygen must think again.