Annette Baker, mother of Mary Baker whose death inspired the mental health awareness event, said the $5700 donated to Survivors of Suicide funded the Winter Solstice event.

“For us the money allows us to keep the Winter Solstice free to the community and allows us to get inspirational speakers with important stories people affected by suicide need to hear,” she said.

Sponsor Hume Bank’s acting chief executive Andrew de Graaff said it was important to keep the conversation going beyond just the Big Splash.

“I personally have been affected by suicide and those affected need to keep talking and keep support for those suffering from mental illnesses,” he said.

“We need to talk to each other and while it might be an uncomfortable subject, we need it to not be taboo.”

Organiser Stephen Mamouney said the 2018 tally was equal to last year’s record total.

He said five years ago the Albury Tigers water polo team wanted to host an event in honour of Mary Baker.

“Mary’s death deeply affected the club and it was our way to get the conversation going,” he said.

Mrs Baker said when the event begun she didn’t know what it would become.

“That first year was a shock, it was really, really amazing,” she said. “As Patrick McGorry said, Albury-Wodonga should be proud to be leading the way in awareness.”