Mindful Margaret River in collaboration with the Lishman Health Foundation has announced the appointment of Pip Close in a new business community support role.

Mindful Margaret River is the culmination of research into mental health and well-being in the Augusta Margaret River Shire, commissioned by the Foundation.

As Business and Jobs Counsellor, Ms Close will provide businesspeople and individuals with a range of practical support, guidance and advice to assist them with business relief, mental health support, business communications coaching, relationship building and preparation for recovery.

Pip Close Stuart Hicks — Help is at hand: Mindful Margaret River chair Stuart Hicks with newly appointed Business and Jobs Counsellor, Pip Close. Photo: Nicky Lefebvre

Chair of Mindful Margaret River, Stuart Hicks, said Ms Close’s experience as CEO of Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and recent project work with the organisation, as well as previous CEO roles would be invaluable to local business owners.

“I’m pretty chuffed to have secured Pip for this role because she has great experience and concern for our region and will be a fantastic support to people who are going through really tough times right now,” Mr Hicks said.

“She joins us with established relationships in the community and regional knowledge. Combined with a strong business background and organisational skills plus mentoring experience, she will be an asset for the community in these challenging times. Pip’s services will be free and confidential so we encourage people to contact us to find out more about how she will be assisting the community.”

In addition to personal advice, Ms Close will provide people with connections to relevant training support and one-on-one coaching and mentoring. Her services will be available until mid-July.

Ms Close said she was glad to have a practical role to play in assisting people with their individual challenges during the crisis.

“I’m grateful to be able to stay on in the Margaret River region and help individuals and businesses with COVID-19 anxieties to plan for the future. It’s so important with the catastrophic environment many are facing,” she said.

“I am very much looking forward to connecting and supporting people at this difficult time and hopefully providing some moral support in the nurturing environment Mindful Margaret River provides. The organisation brings together an accomplished group of professionals who are focussed on keeping the mental health of our community strong and I’m proud to be a part of this.”

Mr Hicks expressed gratitude to the Augusta Margaret River Shire’s Community Care Package COVID- 19, which has funded the appointment.

“President Ian Earl, Shire Councillors, Shire CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown and Shire officers have been great supporters of Mindful Margaret River from the outset,” he said. “Their backing of Pip’s appointment is an exemplary contribution to our community’s wellbeing at this very difficult time.”

Appointments are free and can be arranged by contacting pip@mindfulmargaretriver.org.au or contacting 0411 859 132. For more info visit www.mindfulmargaretmiver.org.au and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mindfulmargaretriver

First published in the Augusta Margaret River Mail 27 May 2020

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