BENDIGO is a giant step closer to breaking down the taboos surrounding suicide after more than 500 people took part in yesterday’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Network’s walk.
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The event included a community barbecue, live music and the opportunity to seek help from counsellors, and was designed to get people talking about suicide and encourage people to seek help.
People were invited to place butterfly cut-outs on a memorial wall to enable those who had been touched by suicide to remember loved ones, friends, work colleagues and school mates.
The Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band led yesterday’s walk from the Dai Gum San Chinese precinct, through Rosalind Park and Bendigo’s CBD.
The event also included performances by local musicians and presentations from beyondblue and national suicide bereavement support program StandBy.
City of Greater Bendigo councillor Rod Fyfe opened the official proceedings by acknowledging suicide was a topic that many people were reluctant to talk about.
“Yet we need to do just that,” he said.
“Officially, around 2000 people commit suicide in Australia each year, but that probably doesn’t include the real number.
“There are not many taboos left in our community, but this seems to be one. But today is yet another step on the way to allowing us to talk openly and freely about suicide and certainly to make sure that we get the message out to people that they can go to organisations and get help.”
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Editorial: We all have a duty to help prevent suicide
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SPAN Central Victoria co-ordinator Alannah McGregor said it was important to get the issue out in the open.
Mrs McGregor lost two children to suicide and said she believed the awareness and prevention walk could do a lot to educate the community and remove the stigma.
“I speak with hindsight when I urge you all to listen to each other, I mean really listen,” she said.
“Take notice of what’s happening, ask each other ‘are you OK?’
“Suicide is not easy to talk about, but it is definitely worth the discomfort to bring this subject out into the open.
“We are all here today, each of us breaking the taboo and removing the stigma, just by being here.
For many people yesterday’s walk was an opportunity to remember loved ones lost to suicide but for some it was an opportunity to celebrate coming out the other side.
Georgina Handley, a 23-year-old Bendigo resident, has battled depression and has lost a friend to suicide.
“I’m getting there so today’s walk for me is more about survival for me,” she said.
“It’s still a bit of a struggle but I’m getting there.” Bendigo resident Chris Austin took part in the SPAN walk in support of friends who have lost loved ones to suicide.
“It is important when dealing with friends who have been touched by suicide to not ostracise them,” she said.
“People don’t seem to talk about suicide because they don’t know how to go about it.”
Julie Holt walked on behalf of her daughter Amy Stringer, who lost her close friend Angela McGregor to suicide 10 years ago.
“My daughter couldn’t be here today to support her friend so I am walking on her behalf instead,” she said.
“We can all improve the mental health and wellbeing of our family and friends by being aware and by being available.”
Ms Holt said the SPAN walk was a giant leap forward in encouraging people to become more aware of suicide in the community.
Those seeking help or who are concerned about a loved one should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978.
