A community crisis support centre will be opened at the Margaret River Community Centre on Saturday, which will offer support to members of the public requiring assistance following the tragic events of Friday morning in the South West region.
Police were called to a rural property in Osmington early on Friday morning, where they discovered the bodies of seven people – three adults and four children.
Shire President Pam Townshend said the deaths would be felt throughout the community.
“This incident has shocked our local community to the core,” she said.
“As a small and close knit community, many people are likely to know or be connected in some way to the deceased.”
“What happened today will have a huge ripple effect across our community.”
Hosted by Suicide Prevention Margaret River (SPMR) and the Shire at the Community Centre on Tunbridge Street, the centre will offer help for members of the community struggling with the news of one of Australias worst mass shooting incidents.
“The Red Cross will be there along with a number of trained professionals and people who are able to offer psychological first aid to people who feel they need some help coping with this tragedy.” said SMPRs Colin Fox.
“We really want to just let people know that there is a community here ready to support each other, and that anyone who feels like they need to talk, or be amongst other people, or if this incident has triggered feelings that they need help with, please come along.
“Alternatively, if you cant be at the centre, please reach out to the available support services that are there to help with situations such as these.”
Ms Townshend urged people needing support to visit the centre.
“We encourage anybody needing support to go to the Margaret River Community Centre, at the Church Gallery on Tunbridge Street where local community support services will be available.
“The support service will be open from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.”
“Coming together at this difficult time is extremely important.”
Police remain on site at the property near Cain Road and Osmington Road, where Homicide Squad Detectives and Forensic officers will continue their examination of the scene.
The process of formally identifying the deceased is progressing.
A police media conference is expected to be held on Saturday morning.
If you or anyone you know requires crisis care or support, please contact one of the following services:
- Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au (24/7)
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 www.mensline.org.au
- beyondblue 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
- For digital mental health – Head to Health www.headtohealth.gov.au
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