Sixth annual Suicide Awareness Walk in Yea

THE sixth annual Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk took place last Sunday in Yea to remember loved ones lost to suicide, support those affected, and help raise awareness in the community. People gathered at the Yea Railway Station from 8.30am, drinking coffee from Cruisin’ Coffee Co, talking to other attendees, and enjoying live music from the band ‘Stoked’. The event started at 9am, with emcee Warren Davies, ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ introducing the day before passing the microphone over to Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group (GVSAG) Coordinator Jacky Gilbee to say a few words about remembering those lost and to thank attendees for coming. GROUP SUPPORT: Even the little ones and families got involved in walking for suicide awareness.PHOTO: Bailey Dixon Kendall Whyte of the Blue Tree Project was guest speaker for the event, making the trip from Western Australia to attend. She was the 2022 WA Young Australian of the Year for her work in the area of mental health. Kendall spoke about losing her brother, Jayden, to suicide in 2018 and his practical joke of painting a tree on their farm blue that later turned into the Blue Tree Project to raise awareness. She said that the trees are intended as a symbol of hope and spoke about her charity work as founder and CEO of the Blue Tree Project, sparked by Jayden. Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish read the Honour List before participants set off on the six kilometre walk to Two Bridges and the blue painted tree out there alongside the Melba Highway, south of Yea. THAT’S NOT A DOG: Kendall Whyte from Blue Tree Project, the horse Frank, Vee Scott, and Warren Davies, ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’.PHOTO: Bailey Dixon Members from Yea CFA were out working alongside Glenburn CFA and Victoria Police to help participants safely cross the Melba Highway, a further example of local agencies cooperating to support community in ways that go beyond emergency response. The walk provided opportunities for participants to reflect on those they may have lost, or chat with other walkers, connecting, having meaningful conversations and raising awareness about suicide. Upon return to the Yea Railway Station, participants were treated to more live music as well as a sausage sizzle from Yea Rotary Club. The atmosphere was both intimate and emotional, while being extremely supportive and friendly and kind. COUNTRY SETTING: Gorgeous gum trees lined the edge of the rail trail and provided shade to walkers. PHOTO: Bailey Dixon The event was supported by Murrindindi Shire Council, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), and Yea and Alexandra Rotary Club.