Acknowledging Australia’s dedication to suicide prevention

The advancement of suicide prevention in Australia has been the result of dedicated research, evidence-based programs and advocacy work of organisations working in the mental health and suicide prevention sector.

This year marks a number of significant anniversaries for some of Australia’s suicide prevention organisations.

Leading in the space of immediate support for those experiencing suicidal distress is Lifeline Australia, with two of its Queensland branches, Lifeline Rockhampton and Lifeline Far North Queensland recognising 50 years of service to the Australian community in 2022. Lifeline Sunshine Coast recognised 40 years of supporting community, with Lifeline Australia set to celebrate 60 years of service in 2023.

Suicide Prevention Australia, peak body for suicide prevention and advocacy in Australia, celebrated 30 years at its Annual General Meeting at NSW Parliament House with members and guests.

Everymind also recognised 30 years of delivering best practice programs, communication, policy responses and translational research. Everymind celebrated the 30-year milestone with a social event as part of the Trevor Waring Memorial Lecture in October.

SANE Australia reflects on 25 years of its StigmaWatch program. Established in 1997, SANE StigmaWatch has been promoting the responsible reporting of mental ill-health and suicide in the Australian media.

Organisations celebrating 20 years of service in suicide prevention include Black Dog Institute, as well as Standby Support after Suicide, a program of Youturn (Formerly United Synergies).

Peter Joseph AM, Chairman for the Black Dog Institute reflects of the achievements and uniqueness of the past 20 years as “the only medical research institute in the country focusing on mental health across the lifespan” with a mantra of ‘Science. Compassion. Action’ driving the work of the Black Dog Institute.

Youturn CEO, Dr Tanya Bell recognised the 20-year milestone of the Standby Support service as a “community organisation focused on providing local solutions to local problems.”

With celebrations disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 Roses in the Ocean recognised 10 +1 years as a leading lived experience organisation in Australia. The organisation reflected on the valuable contributions to suicide prevention during an event held on the Sunshine Coast with sector representatives, lived experience networks, and supporters.