Call to do free suicide awareness training in Movember
3 November 2026
In response to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Causes of Death data for 2025, COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN is encouraging people living and working in the region to do suicide awareness training free of charge.
Jo Riley, Social Impact and Engagement Manager at COORDINARE, said every year, more than 3,000 Australians die by suicide, and men account for nearly three quarters of these suicides.
“Every life lost is one too many and each suicide affects a large number of people, such as the person’s family, kin, friends, children, partners, and work colleagues. We need to be reaching people earlier, before someone reaches crisis point.
“We know many people find it difficult to talk about suicide and while they want to do more to support others, they are uncertain how to help or are worried they may cause more distress. Undertaking suicide awareness training can help build your confidence to reach in, start a conversation with someone you’re worried about, and support them to seek help,” said Ms Riley.
“With Movember occurring this month, it’s a key time for focused conversations across communities and workplaces about the role we all play in suicide prevention, especially in preventing men dying too young,” she said.
The latest ABS data [1], highlights that males in occupations as labourers, technicians and trade workers have the highest suicide rates. Ms Riley says, “Most of us have a male tradie or labourer in our personal networks – a mate, brother, father, husband, son, uncle, nephew, team member or neighbour – and might see signs that they are doing it tough.”
“Rather than waiting for them to reach out and ask for help, you might be well placed to reach in and kick start a conversation. Take one hour this week to do free Recognise and Respond training so you feel better equipped to spot the signs and potentially have a lifesaving conversation,” added Ms Riley.
“Sign up for the free one-hour online course to build your suicide awareness via LearnToReachIn.info,” she said.
Local workplaces, sporting clubs, men’s sheds, or places men often come together are encouraged to take up the call to build awareness.
“We’ve heard great stories about groups coming together at the local bowling club - BYO laptop - and sitting together to do suicide awareness training. It’s a great conversation starter and builds stronger communities,” said Ms Riley.
Developed by the Black Dog Institute, the self-paced course teaches participants how to recognise changes in someone’s behaviour, how to engage in a conversation with a friend, family member or colleague who may have suicidal thoughts and where to find further support. Using interactive content and realistic videos of conversations, the program emphasises that anyone can engage in meaningful conversations about suicide, regardless of their professional background.
Ms Riley added: “With funding from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, COORDINARE is proud to partner with local Suicide Prevention Collaboratives and Networks to offer this training to those living and working in South Eastern NSW. Suicide is a complex phenomenon, and every individual situation is unique. Collaborating ensures we embed suicide awareness within a broader suite of strategies to improve access to compassionate supports and to reduce the prevalence and impact of key drivers of suicide.”
Register now for Recognise and Respond suicide prevention training via LearnToReachIn.info.
*Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative, Bega Eurobodalla Suicide Prevention Collaborative and the Goulburn and Region Suicide Prevention Network have partnered with COORDINARE to promote free suicide prevention training. Suicide Prevention Collaboratives and Networks are made up of community members and representatives from local organisations and entities including government, non-government, health, education, social services and community bodies.
Refer to mindframe.org.au for support and advice on reporting of suicide-related stories. You are not alone. If you need someone to talk to, please connect at:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
- 13 YARN 13 92 76
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- StandBy Support After Suicide 1300 727 247
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- QLife 1800 184 527 (3pm-9pm)
- Kids Helpline (for young people aged 5 to 25 years) 1800 551 800
- National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline: 1800 250 015
[1] Refer to Intentional self-harm (suicide) deaths, 2025 | Australian Bureau of Statistics for advice on using and interpreting suicide data.