Bayside Council Mayor Edward McDougall used a Mayoral Minute to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day and the important role Council's events and services plays in bringing our community together.
In Australia, suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 15-44. Every year, more than 3,000 Australians die by suicide, and over 55,000 attempt suicide.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), held this year on Wednesday 10 September, is important time to reflect, connect, and recommit to the shared goal of preventing suicide and spreading hope.
This year's WSPD theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, challenged the community to transform how we think and talk about suicide.
It's a call for openness, empathy and action, to ensure those who are struggling feel heard, supported, and connected.
Our community is fortunate to have a number of local services to support those experiencing mental health issues and other difficulties.
The Booralee Big Bash in January, supported by Bayside Council, is one example. The event brought 14 local sporting clubs together for a charity cricket match at Booralee Park to support the Gotcha4Life Foundation's youth suicide prevention program
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said
"Bayside Council plays an important role in bringing together the community through events and gatherings, and supporting residents through a variety of services," Mayor Edward Mcdougal said.
"Connecting people in this way does much to break isolation and offer opportunities to prevent suicide. We can all help create a future where more lives in the local area are saved and more stories are shared."
More information
The Gotcha4Life Foundation, Lifeline, Beyond Blue, 1800 RESPECT, Kids Helpline, and Headspace are all able to support Bayside residents.
