MAKING A SPLASH FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Local member Nigel Dalton has completed his final laps for the annual Laps for Life campaign, using the challenge to raise awareness about youth suicide prevention and the importance of mental health support. Over the month of March, Mr Dalton swam around 20 kilometres and raised nearly $1,000 for ReachOut Australia, helping fund resources aimed at supporting young Australians experiencing mental health struggles. As the community heads into Queensland Youth Week from April 6–12, the campaign highlights the need for open conversations and stronger support networks for young people in Mackay. Local services, including MADEC Australia, continue to play a vital role in connecting young people with help and encouraging them to seek support before reaching crisis point.

Diving Into Action

For Youth Mental Health

Each stroke in the pool is carrying much more than water for Nigel Dalton. With every lap completed during the Laps for Life challenge in March, the Mackay MP is helping create a ripple effect of awareness around youth suicide and mental health, turning kilometres in the pool into meaningful support for young Australians who may be struggling.

Mr Dalton swum 22.95 kilometres, the equivalent of 918 laps, and almost reached his fundraising goal of $1000.

“For the last month I’ve been doing Laps for Life, which is basically swimming a certain distance in the pool and reminding myself that youth suicide is an issue in Queensland and in Mackay, and we need to raise awareness,” he said.

Funds raised through the challenge will support ReachOut Australia.

“The money that I raise will go towards the foundation ReachOut, which helps people reach out and get the information they need about mental health and suicide.”

Mr Dalton said suicide remains a significant issue in Australia.

“It’s awful that we have twice as many people dying in Australia through suicide than we do on the roads.”

Drawing on his background in policing, he said the issue has long been close to his heart.

“It was very much part of my policing career, working in the youth suicide space, and I wanted to make sure I carried that on while being an MP.”

He said exercise can also play a positive role in mental wellbeing.

“Sometimes I get in the pool even when I don’t feel like training because it removes anxiety and stress. It’s also a great way to decompress.”

Mr Dalton said the challenge is also about encouraging young people to seek help.

“Moving into Youth Week in April, it’s important to remind young people that they can seek help.”

Chief Executive Officer of MADEC, Jasmine Lowry, said the organisation was proud to support the initiative.

“As a youth service provider in the region, we’re really passionate about youth mental health and making sure people have access to the services they need,” she said.

Ms Lowry said demand for youth support services remains high.

“We’re seeing a lot of young people reach out in crisis and struggling to access the mental health supports that they need.”

She emphasised that mental health challenges can affect anyone.

“Mental health affects everyone. It doesn’t matter about your background or social standing.”

Ms Lowry also encouraged young people and families to seek support when needed.

“It’s really important to reach out and just have the conversation.”

Nigel Dalton is raising awareness for youth mental health through the Laps for Life challenge, while Jasmine Lowry says supporting young people and ensuring access to mental health services remains a key priority for MADEC. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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