News

Thursday, 16 August, 12 noon, Northern Broadwalk, Sydney Opera House.

A SPECIAL memorial service for families and friends who have been bereaved by suicide will be held at the lower western concourse of the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, 16 August, 2007 beginning at 12 noon.

Media should arrive at 11.30 am.

Guest speaker will be the Federal Member for Sydney and Shadow Minister for Human Services, Housing, Women and Youth, Ms Tanya Plibersek.

The LifeForce Memorial service is open to all people who have been touched by suicide through the loss of a loved one or friend.

Radio broadcaster Grant Goldman will share his story at the service, helping to break through the taboo of silence that has for so long increased the loneliness and bewilderment experienced by those who have lost a loved one through suicide.

“Suicide touches the lives of too many Australians,” Ms Plibersek will tell those gathered at the service on Thursday.

“It is important that those who have lost a loved one due to suicide have special opportunities to share their stories, reflect and continue the process of healing together.

“Wesley Mission’s LifeForce Memorial Service provides a forum for people to grieve and to remember those now gone; but who will forever be loved.”

Date: Thursday, 16 August, 2007
Time: 12 noon
Venue: Northern Broadwalk, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point.

During the past five years Wesley Mission LifeForce has trained some 7500 Australians in identifying the signs of suicide and depression and how to take preventative action. It also empowers communities to recognise when someone is depressed and is in pain and how to respond appropriately. In Australia, seven people a day die from suicide — a higher cost to lives than the national road toll or deaths resulting from homicide.

Dinoo Kelleghan
Public Affairs
Wesley Mission 
Ph: 02 9263-5545
Mobile: 0434 076644