BSPAN is hosting its third annual March Across the Monash on September 14. Pictured are BSPAN members Suzanne Hughes, Emily Watt and Gayle Golonski, who all have a lived experience of suicide.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The Benalla Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network is inviting the community to take part in the 2024 March Across the Monash.
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The annual event aims to raise awareness around suicide, and let people who are struggling know that they are not alone.
Organisers Gayle Golonski and Emily Watt spoke with the Ensign about the significance of the march.
“This year will be our third March Across the Monash,” Ms Watt said.
“It takes place on Saturday, September 14.
“September 10 is World Suicide Day, so we hold it on the Saturday, just after.
“We want to bring awareness that suicide affects lots of people.”
Ms Golonski said BSPAN wanted people to know that they were cared about.
“If they’re going through a bad time, they are not alone,” she said.
“It’s happened to other people, and there’s always places and people that can help.”
Ms Golonski said March Across the Monash would begin with speeches in the Benalla Gardens.
“Attendees can hear some stories of lived experiences of suicide,” she said.
“Then we’ll set off on the march. And there will be a free sausage sizzle at Brick by Brick (73A Nunn St) after.”
BSPAN has had T-shirts made up for the event, with a positive message.
BSPAN member Emily Watt, a ‘suicide survivor’, designed these T-shirts, which members will wear for the 2024 March Across the Monash.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“It says ‘Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you’,” Ms Watt said.
“It’s just a simple message that tells people they are not alone.
“I’m a suicide survivor. In my situation, I had a wonderful friend who loved me enough to say ‘I’m here for you’.
“And I think, often, that is what people need to hear.”
Attendees are asked to meet in the Benalla Gardens, near the Weary Dunlop memorial, at 10.30am on Saturday, September 14.
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