Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association (GBOTA) chairman and Gunnedah greyhound club president, Geoff Rose, said members had confided in him they were struggling to come to terms with the shutdown after the official seal was stamped on the ban from July 1 next year.

“Just this morning, I’ve had 17 calls from people threatening suicide because of this,” Mr Rose said Wednesday. 

“Three are in my region.

“I’m not a counsellor, all I can do is tell them to hang in there, look after each other and get professional help.”

Lifeline chief executive Pete Shmigel empathised with those suffering hardship. “I’m not surprised people are distressed, it’s their livelihoods at stake,” he said. 

Mr Shmigel said suicide is a complex problem and often not attributed to just one issue, however communication is vital. “If they are experiencing these thoughts, get on the phone and call us, or family and friends,” he said.

Lifeline was working closely with government to provide immediate mental health assistance to the greyhound industry.

“We’re trying to come up with a package now to help people on the ground,” he said. “The discussion is underway.”

Mr Rose, who is travelling to Adelaide for a conference, watched in frustration from the parliament gallery while the bill banning NSW greyhound racing was discussed. “They picked the report [special commission of inquiry] to pieces,” he said. “It’s absolutely disgusting what they’ve done. I can not believe the lies they said.”

He thanked the three Nationals MPs who crossed the floor to vote against the bill as well as Labor for their support.

If you or someone you know is not coping with their mental health, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for help.