Trevor Fredericks’ vow to beat depression

JAMBEROO businessman and Kiama councillor Trevor Fredericks has vowed to overcome his battle with depression just days after announcing his withdrawal as Liberal party candidate for the seat of Kiama.

Mr Fredericks revealed exclusively to Kiama Independent Editor Kelly Norton that he had recently suffered a period of high anxiety and a depressive episode.

His withdrawal from the Liberal candidacy on Friday shocked many locals who had tipped him as being the man able to beat Labor MP Matt Brown for the Kiama seat at the polls in March.

A family member revealed to the Independent that Mr Fredericks has been through a very difficult time with these problems and is currently seeking medical help to manage his depression.

A hardworking, well-liked public figure for many years in the community through his work with Kiama Council and as proprietor of Jamberoos IGA store with his wife Carmel, Mr Fredericks battle with depression has rocked the closeknit community.

"He was the man to beat Matt Brown," said one local identity, who did not wish to be named.

"But there was always a side of him that made people think he's too much of a nice bloke for politics."

His fighting spirit, though, remains intact with his family revealing he was prepared to fight the debilitating illness.

Mr Fredericks has also taken three months leave from his role as a councillor on Kiama Municipal Council.

Meanwhile support has flooded in for Mr Fredericks, with local businesspeople and members of both sides of government offering their best wishes for his recovery.

On Monday Labor MP Matt Brown released a brief statement on Mr Fredericks withdrawal from the election race that stated:

I wish Trevor and his family all the best along with his business interests.

I am only too aware of the demands of public office which require huge sacrifice as well as time away from home and family.

Fellow Kiama Councillor and Kiama real estate agent Warren Steel whose name has also been raised as a possible Liberal replacement said the increasing pressures of council and in particular community division over the controversial Crighton Properties development application for a retirement resort at Jamberoo may have affected his health.

The pressure that has been placed on councillors is extraordinary and I am sure this has played a part in Trevor's decision, said Cr Steel.

I have already received between 80-100 emails and it (Crightons DA) has not even come before council yet.

For a sensitive bloke like Trevor who has lived in Jamberoo his whole life the pressure must be tremendous.