TWO South East representatives will serve on the Premier’s Council on Suicide Prevention as the State Government progresses its efforts to reduce South Australia’s suicide rate.
Thirteen South Australians from varying vocational, cultural and social backgrounds have agreed to serve on the council, led by parliamentarian John Dawkins.
The council is tasked with the critical role of reducing the state’s suicide rate, which is currently above the national average.
Among the newly announced council members is Mount Gambier’s Tracey Wanganeen, the SA Country South coordinator of StandBy Support After Suicide – one of Australia’s largest dedicated suicide postvention programs.
She has supported suicide prevention and postvention groups in the Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu and South East.
“I was invited to join the council by Mr Dawkins, who often attends regional events and has been very supportive of our program,” Ms Wanganeen said.
“I work mostly in postvention – after suicide – and it is really positive to see that postvention is being included in the discussion around prevention.
“The two really go hand in hand.
“The council will be meeting bi-monthly and our first meeting is this Friday following the National Suicide Prevention Conference.”
Peter May, an Aboriginal health worker in the Limestone Coast, will also serve on the council.
He is the founder of the Treasuring Life South East Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Network.
“Suicide claims too many lives in South Australia, devastating families and friends,” Premier Steven Marshall said.
“The Premier’s Council on Suicide Prevention will build on the vital work of the suicide prevention networks, which have been set up in council areas across the state.
“We know the networks are having an impact in country South Australia where the suicide rate is lower than rural and regional areas interstate.
“The council will devote its efforts to delivering improvements in policy and services that we hope will reduce the impact of suicide in our metropolitan areas and further reduce it in our rural communities.”
Mr Dawkins was appointed as the premier’s advocate for suicide prevention earlier this year and welcomed the 13 council members.
“These council members are passionate advocates for suicide prevention and between them they have devoted decades to helping people touched by suicide,” he said.
“I will work with the council to lower the number of lives lost to suicide, which might involve a number of strategies, including providing additional services and attention to people at risk.”
The Premier’s Council on Suicide Prevention will be located at the SA Health CitiCentre building.
