Gayaa Dhuwi demands Culturally Safe Approaches to Suicide Prevention on World Suicide Prevention Day
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia (Gayaa Dhuwi) is calling for an end to the failed, crisis-driven approach to suicide prevention and a fundamental shift to investment in culturally safe, community-led solutions.
The theme for 2025, "Changing the narrative on suicide", aligns closely with Gayaa Dhuwi’s mission to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide prevention.
"Suicide continues to affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at devastatingly high rates,” said Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi.
“Our people hold the solutions. For too long, systems have tried to 'integrate' our knowledge as an afterthought. This has to stop. Prevention efforts must be grounded in our culture from the beginning.”
The latest Closing the Gap data shows the national suicide prevention target is worsening, with the suicide rate for our people increasing to 30.8 per 100,000 in 2023. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are dying by suicide at more than twice the rate of non-indigenous Australians, and our young people are impacted most severely.
“We must shift from crisis-driven responses to holistic, preventative approaches, grounded in the strengths and cultural knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” said Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi.
“Governments at all levels and mainstream mental health organisations must walk alongside us in genuine partnership, guided by principles of self-determination and cultural leadership.”
Gayaa Dhuwi also calls for the immediate and full implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 (NATSISPS), including dedicated funding for community-controlled organisations.
The renewed NATSISPS sets a path for all governments to work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm among our people. It is now up to government to resource it.
Today, and every day, we honour those we have lost, those with lived experience, and the families, carers and communities impacted. Together, we must continue to act.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, support is available.
Call 13YARN on 13 92 76 – a national 24/7 crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
ENDS
Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.
24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include:
13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men
Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support
For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au.
About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare.
Media Contact:
Ben Signor
Senior Policy Officer
0448 627 820
ben.signor@gayaadhuwi.org.au
www.gayaadhuwi.org.au