Walk 'n' Talk for Life event to raise awareness for suicide prevention

The event, which was held for the first time in 2019, invites members of the community to walk around the Macquarie River and share conversations in order to raise awareness for mental health and prevent suicide.

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For the first time, the event will be organised by the Wambuul Life Connection Network, an organisation formed last year to act on suicide prevention and lessen the stigma around mental health.

"We've got around 60 people involved in the network, and work closely with a host of other local organisations, including primary health networks [PHN's], Western NSW Local Health District and Lifeline Central West," Wambuul Life Connection Network chair Kurt Wheatley said.

"Our network has a particular focus on the local Indigenous community, where suicide rates are quite high, and we work closely with the Wiradyuri Elders Hub to set up projects involving alternate healing methods."

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The Walk 'n' Talk For Life event will include a free barbecue and t-shirt, and Wambuul Life Connection Network secretary Rachael Eldridge said the organisation is excited to get the event up and running again.

"A lot of people in the community know about the event already, we've received many expressions of interest thus far," Ms Eldridge said.

"As the network continues to grow, we hope to grow awareness for suicide prevention across the Central West."

Mr Wheatley said a host of local organisations have played a major hand in contributing to the upcoming Walk 'n' Talk event.

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"We'd like to thank Woolworths for contributing to the event, the barbecue will be on them essentially," he said.

"The event is open to everyone, and we hope to attract as many as possible to show their support for the cause."

Walk 'n' Talk for Life will be held at Peace Park on Sunday, May 9 from 11am.

For more information about the event, visit the Walk 'n' Talk for Life Bathurst Facebook page.

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