ALBURY-Wodonga’s Winter Solstice for Survivors of Suicide could spark a wave of similar events across the country — or even the world.
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That’s the hope of Professor Patrick McGorry, leading youth mental health expert and guest speaker at last night’s inaugural event at Albury’s QEII square.
Speaking to The Border Mail after his speech, Professor McGorry said he believed such a gathering had the potential to lead to others across Australia — and, in turn, more discussion of suicide and suicide prevention.
“It’s very unique to have this sort of event,” he said.
As he addressed the crowd of up to 600, Professor McGorry commended the Winter Solstice event organisers and The Border Mail for its Walkley Award-winning Ending the Suicide Silence campaign.
“There is a myth that talking about suicide encourages others to do it, and that is not true,” he said.
“But you (the Albury-Wodonga community) have shown it is safe and an amazingly positive thing to do.
“Suicide doesn’t come out of the blue — it comes from people who are struggling. It doesn’t happen overnight — it builds up over a period of time, which means there is a chance we can help.”
Professor Mr McGorry and fellow guest speaker, head of Suicide Prevention Australia Susan Murray, both spoke of the desire to halve the suicide rate from 2500 deaths in the next 10 years.
“We can’t change the past but we can change the future,” Mrs Murray said.
Last night’s event was featured David Astle as MC, and performances by Archie Roach, the Albury High drama group, Emma Percy, Paul Dyason and the Albury High choir.
The Carevan and Inspired Coffee provided food and refreshments.