Every death by suicide is one death too many. With 550 lives tragically lost to suicide each year in NSW, there would be few people in communities such as Port Macquarie who have not been touched by suicide in some way.
When I visit communities throughout NSW, people often tell me they wish there was a way in which they could help reduce the rate of suicide and attempted suicides in the towns in which they live. The recent suicide prevention forums held across the State were born out of this desire by communities to work together to turn the tide on this extremely important issue.
Suicide and suicide prevention are community issues that require all of us to work together to support those at risk. The recent suicide prevention forum in Port Macquarie that was convened by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Suicide Prevention brought together local residents to provide input and direction into what needs to happen to further help those at risk in the Port Macquarie community. This was not just a listening tour — the information we received will help shape our approach to suicide prevention.
I would like to thank the many people who attended the forum and for the extremely valuable contribution they made, as well as the Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, for her support. I would also like to thank the Port Macquarie Independent for its interest in the forum and for its ongoing commitment to breaking down the stigma that still clouds mental illness.
Through improved understanding, resilience and support, we can make a difference in our communities. I look forward to continuing to work with the Port Macquarie community to develop responses based on their unique needs and ultimately reduce the number of suicides and attempted suicides in NSW.
Kevin Humphries
NSW Minister for Mental Health
