When one part of this region is hurting, we all acknowledge it and do what we can to help.

That is the Illawarra way.

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It extends to the South Coast and Southern Highlands for example.

When those regions were gripped by the bushfire crisis over the summer, our region led by our councils banded together to help in whatever way we could to help our neighbours to the south and to west. That is just what we do.

In more recent times, communities in the south of of the Illawarra have been confronted with another challenge.

Our communities like Kiama and Gerringong have been forced to come to terms recently with some lives lost recently due to suicide.

In response these communities have rallied together and the Illawarra is gathering around them.

We've seen school communities unite and provide whatever support they can to the younger generation.

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We've seen community-driven initiatives started in response.

We've seen brothers Callum and Tyran Wishart rally people behind Black Dog Institute's Mullets for Mental Health. Because whose spirits aren't lifted when they see a good mullet, right?

We've also seen Gerringong locals rally together and launch Gezza Cares, which is of course a play on the town's name.

Later this week those locals will look to turn the town yellow in a show of support with yellow being the colour of hope. What a fantastic initiative.

These things are the type of things good communities do to look after each other.

Just being there when people need it most.

Lifeline operates a 24/7 crisis support service for anyone who needs it, on 13 11 14. If you don't want to talk, consider using the Lifeline Text, available from 6pm to midnight: 0477 131 114

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