Tragic run on roads prompts trauma support session in Williams

Emergency responders and community members from the Wheatbelt and Great Southern have been invited to a special road trauma support session to be held in Williams next week in the wake of a string of tragic accidents in our region.

Hosted by Williams emergency services in partnership with Road Trauma Support WA, the event is designed to help people deal with trauma regardless of when the incident occurred or what level of involvement the person had.

The Great Southern police district, which stretches from Albany to Corrigin, is in the midst of one of its deadliest years on the roads in recent memory.

“The first people to come across these incidents are members of the public who don’t have training or support networks to deal with them,” Williams Police Sen. Const. Darren Redhead said.

“A lot of people work on adrenaline but it’s only when they get home that it can really affect them.

“Volunteer ambulance and fire officers as well, we take them for granted, but they are human and they go home to their families and take their uniform off.

“A couple of people in the community have come forward saying they are struggling, and we thought it would be of benefit to run this session.”

Sen. Const. Redhead said it was important for anyone affected by road trauma to know they were not alone.

“There is a stigma around that I shouldn’t be feeling like this, I need to be tougher,” he said.

“But the idea is for people to understand they are not alone.

“It’s about first of all understanding that, and secondly knowing where they can go to get help.

“We want everyone affected by any trauma to come along, listen to others, and tell their stories.”

Williams police officer-in-charge Sgt Andy Brown said the invitation was open to anyone from the Great Southern Police District.

“This is about looking after the community and giving people awareness that there is support there,” Sgt Brown said.

The road trauma support session is free and will be held at the Williams Sports Pavilion from 6pm next Tuesday.

Tea and coffee and a sausage sizzle will be provided.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

RSVP to Williams Police on 9893 3800 or email williams.police.station@police.wa.gov.au.