Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, but tragically today, just like yesterday and tomorrow, eight Australians will take their own lives. For every person who dies by suicide in Australia, 30 will unsuccessfully attempt it. That's around 240 people who attempt suicide every day. Each of them is someone's brother, sister, work colleague, mum or dad. The theme of this World Suicide Prevention Day is working together to prevent suicide, with events raising awareness for suicide prevention happening all over Australia.

On Saturday, I attended the Sunshine Coast Community Suicide Bereavement Remembrance Day organised by StandBy-Support After Suicide service provider United Synergies. The riverside ceremony was an important opportunity to remember those who have been lost through suicide and to acknowledge the families and friends who've been impacted. We heard from members of the Living Beyond Suicide Caloundra support group about their own experiences. Doves were released and attendees had the opportunity to place flowers in the river in honour of their loss. I was joined at the event by my state LNP colleagues the member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, and the member for Caloundra, Mark McArdle, who both gave moving addresses. Thank you to Linda Small of United Synergies for organising the event and to Kerry Evans, who was the MC. (Time expired)

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