The local community has rallied together to face the tragic loss of surfer Mercury Psillakis
The outpouring of grief from the Beaches community following the death of local surfer Mercury Psillakis after a shark attack at Dee Why Beach on 6 September was immense. So too was the support shown to Mercury’s family, friends and the wider community, with members of surfing clubs coming together with local services like Lifeline Northern Beaches (Lifeline NB) and other organisations to reach out to those who needed extra support.
In a statement issued by Mercury’s family, including his wife, Maria and daughter, Freedom, they said: “Merc is deeply loved by everyone who knows him.”
They also labelled his death as a ‘tragic and unavoidable accident,’ adding that surfing was one of his great passions. “He was also deeply connected to the surfing community, which has been so kindly supporting us and sharing in this heartbreaking loss,” the family said.
They also thanked the men who helped get Mercury out of the surf: “We also want to thank the life saving club, emergency services and Police that have provided invaluable guidance and support during this time – your support will never be forgotten.”
Mercury and Maria
Lifeline NB was quick to activate its critical incident response following the tragedy, sending counsellors to Dee Why beach. Barbara Stenhouse, Lifeline NB manager of clinical community programs, said the critical response was made possible thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club of Warringah. “In that first initial, real traumatic and grief phase, it was important to be there in the community and connect with (the people),” Ms Stenhouse said.
Lifeline provided a one-off crisis and emotional support and wellbeing check-in for people and supplied information for further support. “I think it validated the community’s pain and let people know that their reactions were normal and that they’re not alone,” Ms Stenhouse said. “It’s really important that we feel we can be supporting each other at a really difficult time.”
During October, Lifeline, in partnership with psychology services, will offer one-off sessions to people who are still having an ongoing traumatic response to the tragedy.
In further community support, all profits from tickets and auction items from the final event of the Jack McCoy Australian Film Festival on 14 September were donated to the Psillakis family.
Local surf clubs also played a part. A community group counselling session was held at the Long Reef SLSC with local clinical psychologist Angelica Bilibio and her team of counsellors on 13 September.
Surf Life Saving NSW, in support of Surfing NSW, provided increased aerial and on-water surveillance on the 13 and 14 September, as board riding clubs across the Beaches held competitive events. “It’s been an extremely tough week for our tight-knit community on the Northern Beaches, but the way our clubs have rallied behind those affected has been incredible,” Lucas Townsend, Surfing NSW chief executive officer said. “Our focus now is helping clubs, volunteers and members feel confident returning to the ocean.”
For urgent help, call Lifeline on 13 1114, or text 0477 131 114
To find out more about affordable counselling, call 9949 5522 or to book a one-off session about the incident