Almost 140 people attended the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network’s (WSPN) Legends Night and over $25,000 was raised.
President of WSPN Matt Stokes said the event was a huge success, not just because of the money raised, but the response he has had from the community.
He said many people have come to him to express that they had a wonderful time at the event.
On the night, WSPN invited several inspiring speakers to address the audience.
Ray Thompson ex NRL Cowboys player talked about his personal challenges during and after his rugby career, but he also talked about practising gratitude and empathy. He then explained that practising these two will eventually lead to inner joy, feeling happier and being more optimistic.
Jay Shipston from Triple M talked candidly about his own experience with suicide, about what he was going through but ultimately about how suicide impacts friends, family and the community around you.
Bowen community member Lisa Cocker inspired the room with her passionate story telling, as she spoke about her sister who sadly took her own life. Her broader message highlighted the power in kindness and how we can all share love.
Nick Farr-Jones former Wallaby captain and World Cup winner spoke about a broad range of things including an eye-opening statistic that in Australia one person every eight minutes attempts suicide.
More positively he spoke about his time volunteering. If he feels down, he volunteers to help other people, and it lifts him up.
WSPN’s mission is to end the stigma around mental health and Matt Stokes says the worst thing to do is to say nothing.
“We all choose to say nothing and pretend it doesn't happen, whereas we all need to be encouraged to speak and talk to people,” said Matt
“If you are someone who's struggling to put your hand up and talk that's the thing we are trying to get broken down.
“Mental health is not exclusive to any age, demographic or person. You might be at the lowest of the low or the highest of the high, we're all very much exposed to mental health problems.”
Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network with founder Ron Petterson. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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