On World Suicide Prevention Day, changing the narrative must mean changing the system
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is calling for Australia to move beyond awareness alone and address the systems and conditions contributing to unacceptable rates of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
In 2024, 306 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people died by suicide, the highest number ever recorded, and at almost three times the rate of non-Indigenous peoples. Suicide also remains one of the Closing the Gap outcomes that is worsening.
This year marks the final year of the World Suicide Prevention Day theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, and its call to action, “Start the Conversation”.
Gayaa Dhuwi supports safe and compassionate conversations about suicide, by breaking stigma and ensuring people feel able to reach out for support are essential. However, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, changing the narrative must also mean changing the system.
Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi, said creating culturally safe environments for conversations about suicide must be matched by action.
“Every life lost to suicide has an impact that extends across families, kin and communities,” Professor Milroy said.
“Our people must feel safe to speak, seek help and receive support without judgement or discrimination.
“But communities cannot carry responsibility for preventing suicide alone. We need systems that understand social and emotional wellbeing, recognise the protective strength of culture, family, community and Country, and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions.”
Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi, said worsening suicide outcomes demanded a stronger response from governments and the broader system reform.
“We do not have a lack of evidence, strategies or commitments. We have a gap between commitment and implementation,” Ms Fishlock said.
“That is a failure of system performance. Too often, the current architecture absorbs accountability rather than making responsibility clear when commitments are not delivered and the system fails our people.
“For years, governments have committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, shared decision-making, community control and transforming mainstream systems.
“Yet too often our people are named in policy without being centred in the power, resources and accountability required to deliver change.”
Gayaa Dhuwi is calling for full implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025–2035, including sustained and flexible investment, stronger community controlled responses, culturally safe mainstream services, shared decision-making and transparent accountability for outcomes.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Gayaa Dhuwi honours those who have been lost to suicide, people with lived and living experience, and the families, kin and communities impacted by suicide.
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:
Tom Hodge, General Manager
communications@gayaadhuwi.org.au or 0410 088 593