‘They needed someone to listen to them’

Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green

Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green has been on the phone to offer help to many families in his diocese as COVID-19 strikes the community hard.

Diocesan parish support worker Maryann Zammit said the bishop quickly reacted to an article on Facebook about the people of Wilcannia who were infected by the virus.

He contacted Wilcannia resident Monica Kerwin to see what was needed for the families, and spoke to many families personally.

“At that time, they needed someone to listen to them,” Maryann said.

“Isolation and loneliness is becoming a cause of mental health problems. Being locked in has caused much anguish.

“Another need was credit for mobile phones, as people couldn’t contact loved ones, so the bishop alleviated that problem by arranging credit for each person affected by the virus.

“Children’s needs such as nappies, children’s formula, milk, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sheets, blankets etc were of great concern.”

Coles Broken Hill and members of the St Vincent de Paul Society swung into action with everything that was needed.

• Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes