By DES NOLL

Suicide is a silent killer in our community – it has no boundaries.

As a community we all must work together by continually having the conversation around suicide and supporting those who are in need.

Suicide has become a national crisis in Australia, with 3000 suicide deaths each year, eight suicide deaths per day.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians 15-24 years.

Sadly the economic toll of suicide is up to $24b per annum within this country.

If these figures reflected the national road toll there would be a political backlash.

However we hear very little from our political leaders in relation to suicide.

It is vital our community engages in this conversation of suicide prevention together.

Seeking out and looking after each other and not being afraid to engage a friend, family member, work colleague or anyone who you recognise needs support is important.

Remembering, it’s ok to ask a friend R U OK?

The Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network Committee is a committed group of local people with diverse back grounds bringing a wealth of experience to the group.

The group is not a counselling service.

The committee has a focus of facilitating community participation and engagement, delivering support to those in need, providing education to our community and being in partnership with professional services such as Standby Support After Suicide.

In partnership with Vesta (Infigen Energy) members of the Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network attended at the Canunda Turbine Wind Farm for the lighting up in blue of a turbine wind tower.

The turbine stood majestically tall, covered in a wave of blue light, reflecting suicide prevention awareness.

Congratulations to Vesta for their commitment of recognising suicide prevention.