DUE TO LACK OF REGISTRATIONS, THIS FORUM ON THE 20 OCTOBER 2022, HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Looking out for our community has never been more important than in this moment – join us for the 2022 Suicide Prevention Forum (SPF22) to learn about suicide prevention strategies that work in rural areas.
Key Note Speaker Mr Craig Hamilton - Mental Health Matters
Starting off our day will be key note speaker, Mr Craig Hamilton. Craig started his career as a broadcaster with ABC Radio in 1994. Since then he has covered Rugby League, Rugby Union and cricket at international level as a commentator. Craig is probably best known as a member of the "Grandstand" Rugby League commentary and has worked on the past 17 Grand Finals, State of Origin series and a number of Test Matches. Craig was born and raised in the Hunter Valley town of Singleton and spent 16 years working as an underground coal miner in the Newcastle area before embarking on a radio career fulltime in 1999. In 1991 Craig represented the Newcastle and NSW Country cricket teams, and played against the touring Sri Lankan team. In the year 2000, on the eve of the Sydney Olympic Games where he had been assigned to work as a broadcaster, Craig experienced a psychotic episode and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Craig spent 12 days in hospital and once he recovered, set out to create awareness of mental health and also break down the stigma that surrounds those that suffer from mental health issues. He has since become one of Australia's most high profile and most sought-after speakers on mental health awareness, lifestyle, overcoming adversity and work/life balance.
Concurrent break-out room guest presenters
We also have a range of guest presenters that will appeal to practitioners, service providers, community members and volunteers alike, providing strategies that you will be able to put to immediate use in your service and/or community.
LGBTIQ+ Commissioner (Commissioner Todd Fernando) & Senior Suicide Prevention Manager at Switchboard Victoria (Anna Bernasochi): Government and community responses to suicide prevention in the LGBTIQ+ Community
Ben MacEllen: Trans under attack: Unpacking the suicide risk factors for trans, gender diverse and non-binary persons.
RUOK? (Claire): Encouraging life-changing conversations
Beyond Blue Lived Experience Ambassador (Tim): We are honoured to have a community speaker from Beyond Blue to present his journey of hope, recovery and resilience with depression and/or anxiety condition.
The Unbreakable Farmer (Warren Davies): Resilience, Persistence and Determination
RAWTAS (John Clark): Rural Alive and Well – New Initiatives in Suicide Prevention
Black Dog Institute Lived Experience Ambassador (Chris): Breaking Down Depression
headspace Bendigo (Mr Lindsay Rose & Maree Dixon): HEY Diversity Program at headspace Bendigo & Supporting LGBTIQ+ Young People, Their Parents & Families
A Life Simply Lived Psychology (Dr Naomi Malone): Learnings from two decades of rural clinical practice
headspace Bendigo’s Youth Reference Group member, Bendigo Young Citizen of the Year & The Health Project Podcast (Mr Jed Zimmer): Breaking the Stigma
headspace Melbourne (Mike Podger & Brett Wilson): Be You Program - A national initiative for educators, aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people.
Youth Focus Panel discussion (Lisa Renato, Mr Lindsay Rose, Christine Adelwoher from Lifeline and an Wellbeing Educator): Needs of youth and crisis supports for 15-35 year olds
Inglewood District Health Services (Maryam Sebti): Strategies that work for youth in rural communities
Wellways StandBy Support After Suicide (Emma Knapp): StandBy support after suicide model and practice
National Centre for Farmer Health (Sally Cunnigham): The Primary Producer Knowledge Network (PPKN) - Working with farmers to develop practical, empowering strategies to prevent risks to mental health in agricultural workplaces.
Hope Assistance Local Tradies - HALT (Mr Jeremy Forbes): HALT - A whole of community project
Tandem Carers (Amaya Alvarez): We are the first responders! Supporting families and carers in suicide prevention – a relational approach
Open Arms Support Services (Mr Damien Hadfield): Suicide intervention for the veteran community
Royal Flying Doctors Mental Health Services (David Turnbull & Hannah Lynch): Flying Doctor Wellbeing – Bringing mental health care to regional and rural Victoria
Loddon Mallee Mental Health Carers Network (Andrea Smith): Loddon Mallee Mental Health Carers Network and how we can support Carers with their Mental Health due to loved ones experiencing continual episodes of ill health.
National Centre for Farmer Health (Kelly Barnes): Growing farmer resilience through Campfire conversations and peer support tools.
Mood Mission (David Bakker): Digital tools to support mental health
Bendigo Community Health Services (Valerie Nkala): 5 Ways to Wellbeing
Carer Support Services Bendigo (Natasha Harrick): Bendigo Health Carer Support Services
Dr Tara Hunt : The Relationship Between Suicide & Mental Health & Illness
Rural Financial Counselling Service (Anna McGee & Verity Duffield): Accessing Wellbeing and Mental Health Support during Financially Stressful Times.
Women's Health Loddon Mallee (Tina Helm & Alison Jones): Creative Community Engagement Tools for Suicide Prevention
Macedon Ranges Live For Life (Emma Wheen & Annie Rowland): Macedon Ranges Live For Life
Men Care Too (Greg Smith): Make Time For mates
Hear what others had to say about our Suicide Prevention Forum that was held in 2018 by watching this video below
Keep on eye on this webpage for further updates!
