This is the second year the walk has been hosted on World Suicide Prevention Day by the group, who brought community members from local towns together to complete up to five laps of the Finley Lake.
The five laps equated to approximately 9km, representing the nine Australians who die every day by suicide.
The Lifeline Out of the Shadows walk is to remember those Australians lost to suicide and help others come out of the shadows and into the light.
Family and friends of Michelle and Tony Smith walked in honour of the couple’s son Will who died in 2021.
They wore shirts which read “Dear person behind me. The world is a better place with you in it. Lots of love, the person in front of you. Will 13”.
They walk each year to remember Will and to support each other and the community members who attend.
Support resources provided by Lifeline were available at the walk, and Bec from Odesi Coffee Van was there to support the community with their walk not only by providing warm drinks to those walking but by also providing a listening ear and a generous donation to Lifeline.
The walk raised $340.45, and donations are still be accepted at www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au.
The Collaborative was started 18 months ago to raise awareness of mental health wellbeing and safety in our community.
They provide free mental health first aid training, arrange appropriate speakers and forums, and by creating and supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for connections and relationships to be fostered among community members.
The local group partners with Lifeline Australia, Headspace National, NSW Health, Berrigan Shire Council, Intereach, Centacare and other local and state based organisations and meet monthly to discuss.
If you would like to know more about the collaborative or its initiatives, email hello@southernriverinawellbeing.com.au.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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