The Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk will be held on Sunday, September 14.
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To remember, to honour, and to prevent, a group of community members will soon take strides in an annual awareness walk.
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The Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group was founded in 2021, just three years after Jacky Gilbee’s son passed away by suicide.
The group’s first objective was to host a 6km walk in Yea, an event that attracted over 100 attendees in its first run.
Now in its fourth year, the Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk has only grown in size, making a name for itself in the region as a welcoming space of reflection.
Ms Gilbee said she would dedicate this year’s walk to her father, who recently passed away, to Don Lawson, an original GVSAG committee member, and, as always, to her son Russell.
“I’m going to dedicate this walk to two men in my life; my father, who only passed away in June aged 78, who supported me on my journey after my son Russell passed,” Ms Gilbee said.
“And, Don Lawson, who just passed at the age of 85 — one of our original committee members passionate about how older and younger farmers are often overwhelmed by their (farms’) upkeep.
“He himself was affected by suicide when his daughter took her own life, which made his dedication to rid the stigma of suicide more important, and I’ll miss his urgency to get things done.”
To be held on Sunday, September 14, the walk will begin at the Yea Train Station, following the Rail Trail loop down the Melba Hwy.
GVSAG founder Jacky Gilbee said the walk was about remembering those lost, as well as removing the stigma of suicide.
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Before the walk, attendees will listen to a prominent lineup of guest speakers, including ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ Warren Davies, and local identity Ron Hockley, known as ‘our hay man’.
Ms Gilbee said the speakers would be motivational additions to the event.
“Come and listen to their inspiring stories before your walk this year,” she said.
“Come along if you’ve been affected by suicide, or come to raise awareness of suicide. All are welcomed.
“Once back from your picturesque Rail Trail walk from Yea Railway Station to the two bridges and the blue tree, enjoy a free sausage sizzle from Yea Rotary Club.”
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher will also be in attendance to read the names of those the community has lost to suicide, and Aunty Angela will facilitate a smoking ceremony.
The event will commence with registrations at 8.30am, with a start at 9am.
GVSAG welcomes all to the event to instil the fact that no-one is ever alone.
If you, or anyone you know, is in need of support, contact the Suicide Line on 1300 651 251, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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