Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak about mental health, a critical issue affecting so many Australians. November is a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Tragically, suicide is a leading cause of death among Australians aged 18 to 24, with nine lives lost every day. This crisis demands urgent national action.

Locally, Warringah is home to incredible organisations making a difference. Mentoring Men, based in Manly, has provided mentorship to men across Australia since 2018. This vital service addresses a reluctance many men feel towards traditional mental health support. With some 2,455 men lost to suicide in 2022, their work is more important than ever. Lifeline Northern Beaches has been serving our community for over 50 years. It offers crisis support, counselling and education. Its fundraising initiatives, such as op shops, book fairs and the iconic Lifeline Classic surfing competition, which we had last weekend, highlights the community's power to drive change. I'd like to commend the Vipers Run Club, a local running group for men, which is aiming to raise $100,000 for Lifeline's services. They're already over halfway there.

On a personal note, next week I will be running 100 kilometres in the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko to fundraise for Lifeline. I urge everyone to remember that mental health is everyone's responsibility.

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