PRIORITY ACTION PLAN 2026-2028
ACKNOWL EDG M ENT OF COU NTRY The Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Collaborative acknowledges the traditional custodians on the lands which the collaborative operates; the Wiradjuri, Yitha Yitha, Nari Nari, Wemba Wemba, Perepa Perepa, Yorta Yorta, Bangerang, Ngunnawal and Ngarigo Peoples. As a Collaborative, we recognise our communities are made up of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples descended from additional mobs and clans who also call the Murrumbidgee region home. We pay respect to elder’s past, present and leaders of the future and recognise these lands have always been places of traditional healing and medicine, and this plays a role in shaping future health services.
ACKNOWL EDG EM ENT OF LIV ED AN D LIVI NG EXPERI ENCE We acknowledge the profound contributions of individuals with lived and living experiences of mental health challenges, substance use, and suicide, as well as those who care for and support them. Each person’s journey is unique and adds invaluable insight into how we can collectively improve and reform mental health and suicide prevention systems. We remember those we have lost too soon and recognise the lasting impact their absence leaves on their families, carers, and communities. Their stories, strength, and resilience guide us to confront stigma and ensure our efforts are informed by compassion, respect, and lived experience.
CONTENT A DV ICE This document discusses suicide. Please take a moment to think about your own readiness to read this kind of content right now. If you do feel distressed while reading, consider taking a break and activate your support networks and strategies if needed.
SU P PORT L I N ES Help may be reached through the following support services: GENERAL
YOUTH
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 | kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au
headspace 1800 650 890 | headspace.org.au
13 YARN 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service (24/7) Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums StandBy Support After Suicide 1300 727 247 QLife 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au LGBTIQ+ service (3pm-9pm) MensLine 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au
ReachOut reachout.com.au
OTHER RESOURCES Medicare Mental Health medicarementalhealth.gov.au SANE online forums saneforums.org | 1800 187 263 (10am-10pm) Embrace Multicultural Mental Health embracementalhealth.org.au National Alcohol and other Drug Hotline 1800 250 185 National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 | gamblinghelponline.org.au
TA B L E O F C O N T E N TS Introduction 2 Background 2 Key themes and actions 3 Access, navigation and integration 3 Building community capacity 4 Strengthening workforce capacity 5 Priority populations 5 Local initiatives 6 Key readings 7 Programs and initiatives 7 Policies, frameworks and plans 7
Version 1.1 – July 2026
Introduction The Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Collaborative (The Collaborative) brings together key stakeholders from across the region to work collectively to reduce suicide within our communities. The collaborative is guided by evidence, informed by local data, and shaped by the insights of people with lived and living experience. The collaborative unites health services, community organisations, government agencies and regional partners to support a coordinated and strategic approach to suicide prevention, aftercare and postvention across the Murrumbidgee. The collaborative adopts a regionwide, systems based approach that recognises the unique strengths, needs and diversity of local communities, while aligning with state and national suicide prevention priorities. As a mechanism for shared leadership, coordination and collective action, the collaborative supports collaboration across sectors and settings to strengthen regional responses to suicide and distress. Through ongoing partnership and shared problem-solving, the collaborative seeks to improve integration across services, strengthen community and workforce capability, and promote more consistent, compassionate and coordinated responses to suicide and distress across the region.
Background The Murrumbidgee region has an established history of collaborative, place‑based approaches to suicide prevention, aftercare and postvention. This Action Plan represents the third iteration of regional suicide prevention planning, building on sustained partnership, shared learning and system development across the Murrumbidgee over several years. The first Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention and Postvention Priority Action Plan (2018–2019) was developed following the region’s first suicide prevention roundtable, which brought together key stakeholders from health, emergency services, community organisations and government. This initial plan identified shared challenges, service gaps and priority actions, and laid important foundations for coordinated regional responses, including early work on communication protocols, community capacity building and cross‑sector collaboration. Implementation of the first plan led to significant system strengthening, most notably the formalisation of the Murrumbidgee Local Response Group (LRG) to support timely, coordinated responses following a death by suicide. In 2020, recognising the value of ongoing collaboration, stakeholders transitioned from time‑limited roundtables to establish the Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Collaborative (The Collaborative), embedding suicide prevention and aftercare as a shared, ongoing regional responsibility. The second Priority Action Plan (2023–2025) consolidated these gains and responded to emerging reforms, reaffirming key priority areas such as local responses and aftercare, community capacity building, workforce development, communications and priority populations. It also strengthened the integration of lived and living experience, peer workforce development and data‑informed planning. This third Priority Action Plan (2026–2028) builds on the strong foundations established through previous plans while responding to evolving community needs, workforce challenges and policy directions.
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Key themes and actions The following key themes and actions reflect the shared priorities identified by the Collaborative and represent the areas members agreed are essential to strengthening suicide prevention across the Murrumbidgee.
AC C E S S , N AV I G AT I O N A N D I N T E G R AT I O N Navigating the service system and accessing the right support at the right time remains a significant challenge across the region. Referral pathways are often described as confusing and at times restrictive, with people redirected between multiple services before receiving appropriate care. These challenges are even more pronounced in rural communities, where limited-service options, workforce shortages, and longer wait times can delay care and unintentionally increase distress. Members noted that the needs of people experiencing suicidality and distress are complex and closely linked to social determinants of health and wellbeing – such as income, education, employment, housing stability, social inclusion, and access to health care. These determinants are major drivers of distress and suicidal crisis and cannot be addressed by health services alone. This reinforced the need for stronger coordination and integration across services and sectors, supported by clearer communication and consistent referral pathways, to ensure people do not fall through the cracks. KEY THEME
ACTION
Service navigation and system mapping
Promote utilisation of Map My Recovery and other service navigation platforms.
Cross-sector integration and collaboration
Review and expand the collaboratives membership to ensure participation from key sectors that contribute to wellbeing and influence the factors that shape people’s experiences of distress.
Communication and coordinated response pathways
Increase awareness of the Local Response Group (LRG) to strengthen coordinated, cross agency communication and support processes following a death by suicide.
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B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y C A PAC I T Y Members highlighted that communities play a vital role in suicide prevention, aftercare and postvention, and that local knowledge, relationships and strengths are essential. Discussions highlighted that many people in the community feel uncertain about how to talk about suicide, how to recognise when someone may be in distress or thinking about suicide, and how to respond safely after a suicide death. Stigma was identified as an ongoing barrier to help seeking, particularly in smaller and rural communities. Building community skills and confidence was seen as a priority both to support people earlier and to help communities respond safely when a suicide death occurs. KEY THEME
ACTION
Training and skill development across community and workforce
Provide evidence based and evidence informed training to community members, delivered both online and face-to-face, preferably at no cost, to build confidence in recognising distress and responding safely. Offer tailored training to staff across services and sectors to strengthen capability, confidence, and consistent practice when supporting people experiencing distress.
Local awareness campaigns
Continued promotion of local developed campaigns to increase awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
Safe communication and stigma reduction
Support communities to access resources and training on traumainformed and safe communication related to suicide, mental health and alcohol and other drugs. Encourage safe, respectful conversations within communities, and promote reporting of harmful or stigmatising content through appropriate channels such as SANE StigmaWatch.
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ST R E N G T H E N I N G WO R K FO R C E C A PAC I T Y Members identified that the workforce responding to people experiencing suicidality and distress is very broad, with people often presenting to a wide range of services across different sectors many of which are not specialist mental health services and may have limited experience in responding to suicide. Members highlighted that staff could feel underprepared to recognise and respond to suicide, with gaps in capability, limited confidence in knowing where and how to connect people to support and not enough practical tools to guide decision making in complex situations. Ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining staff further add to these pressures, making it difficult for services across the region to maintain an experienced, confident and well supported workforce. KEY THEME
ACTION
Strengthening workforce capability and confidence
Provide evidence based and evidence informed training to staff across services and sectors to build confidence in recognising distress and responding safely. Promote trauma-informed and safe communication practices through access to relevant training and resources
Strengthening peer workforce participation and integration
Support the growth and involvement of the peer workforce through initiatives that enhance participation and integration across services.
P R I O R I T Y P O P U L AT I O N S Members noted that certain population groups within the Murrumbidgee are disproportionately impacted by suicide and can experience increased vulnerability, barriers to accessing support, and require culturally safe and tailored responses. Local, state and national data reinforce this, consistently showing that a one size fits all approach is insufficient. Members agreed that targeted strategies are essential to reducing inequities and improving outcomes for people most in need. KEY THEME
ACTION
Understanding priority population needs
Review quantitative and qualitative data to identify priority population groups and use these insights to guide planning, coordination, and activity across the region.
Inclusive and diverse representation
Strengthen the collaboratives membership to include representation from priority population groups and relevant community sectors.
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Local initiatives The whole of region approach to mental health, suicide prevention and aftercare in the Murrumbidgee region is unique and continues to be regarded as a leading example at both the NSW and national level. The aim is to improve the health outcomes of our communities, and several local initiatives bring together service providers, people with lived or living experience, and other community groups to create, plan, and action specific projects to meet the needs of our communities. TH E M U RRU M BI DG EE M ENTA L H EA LTH A N D DRUG A N D A LCOHOL A L L IA NCE
The Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Alliance (MMHDA Alliance) is a regional partnership of service providers, consumers, carers and people with lived experience who work together to strengthen mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drug supports across the Murrumbidgee. The Alliance brings together more than 25 organisations committed to a collaborative, consumer‑focused approach that improves coordination, identifies service gaps, and enhances access to care. Members work collectively to develop shared strategies, raise awareness of available services, and contribute their expertise to build a more connected, transparent and integrated system. mmhdaa.org.au TH E M U RRU M BI DG EE LOCA L RESPONSE G ROU P (L RG)
The Local Response Group (LRG) is a collaboration of local services working together to support communities in the Murrumbidgee region following a death by suicide. Led by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), the LRG includes representatives from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and Wellways. The group works closely with other government, community and specialist organisations, including members of MSPAC, to ensure people can access timely, coordinated and holistic support. mphn.org.au/murrumbidgee-local-response-group
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Key readings P R O G R A M S A N D I N I T I AT I V E S M U RRU M BI DG EE REG ION A L M ENTA L H EA LTH , SU ICI DE PREV ENTION A N D A LCOHOL AN D OTH ER DRUGS REG ION A L P LA N 202 5 - 2030
The Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan is a joint initiative of MPHN and MLHD and will guide high quality decision-making, ensuring resources are targeted to best respond to local mental health, suicide prevention, and drug and alcohol needs. TA RG ETED REG ION A L I N ITI ATI V ES FOR SU ICI DE PREVENTION
The Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention program provides $63.3 million from 2022– 2025 to support Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in delivering regional and community-based suicide prevention activities. The program builds on the National Suicide Prevention Trial and aims to address local system gaps, strengthen regional planning, and establish Suicide Prevention Regional Response Coordinators. It promotes a systems-based, evidence-informed, and community-led approach, with a strong focus on lived experience, inclusive governance, and data-driven planning to reduce the incidence and impact of suicidality across Australia. NATIONAL SU ICI DE P REV ENTION LEA DERSH I P A N D SU PPORT PROG R A M
The Australian Government provides funding for projects under the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program. The program has been operating since 2017 and currently has 28 organisation’s undertaking 36 projects up to 2027-28 (2022-23 to 2024-25). The programs aim is to reduce deaths by suicide across the Australian population and among at risk groups, and to reduce suicidal behaviour. One of the aims of the program is to support Primary Health Networks to lead a regional approach to service planning and integration for suicide prevention activities which meets the needs of individuals at the local level. TH E BI LATER AL AG REEM ENT ON M ENTA L H EA LTH A N D SU ICI DE PREV ENTION I N NSW
The Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and the New South Wales Government represents a landmark commitment to improving mental health outcomes and reducing suicide across the state. Effective until 30 June 2026, the agreement supports a collaborative, systems-based approach to addressing gaps in mental health and suicide prevention services. TOWARDS ZERO SU ICI DES I N ITI ATI V E
The Towards Zero Suicides (TZS) initiative is a $143.4 million investment by the NSW Government from 2022–2026, building on a previous $87 million commitment. It delivers a suite of evidence-informed programs that address priorities in the NSW Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention. TZS aims to provide best practice crisis care, strengthen local community resilience, and improve systems to reduce suicide rates. Key initiatives include Safe Havens, Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams (SPOT), system enhancements, and workforce development. All programs are co-designed with people with lived experience and tailored to meet the unique needs of each community across NSW.
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P O L I C I ES , F R A M E WO R KS A N D P L A N S SH I FTI NG TH E LA N DSCA P E FOR SU ICI DE PREV ENTION I N NSW: A WHOL E-OF GOV ERN M ENT STR ATEG IC FR A M EWORK FOR A WHOL E-OF -COM M U N ITY RESPONSE
The Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2022–2027, developed by the Mental Health Commission of NSW, sets out a whole-of-government approach to support a whole-of-community response to suicide prevention. Building on the achievements of the 2018–2023 framework and initiatives like Towards Zero Suicides, it emphasises prevention, early intervention, aftercare, and postvention. The framework recognises the complex social determinants of suicide and calls for coordinated, compassionate action across sectors. It is informed by lived experience and aligns with national strategies including Closing the Gap and the National Suicide Prevention Agreement, aiming to reduce distress and save lives through inclusive, evidence-based, and locally responsive efforts. TH E NATIONAL SU ICI DE P REV ENTION STR ATEGY 2025–203 5
The National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025–2035 outlines Australia’s commitment to building a compassionate, evidence-based, and coordinated approach to suicide prevention. Developed with leadership from people with lived experience and in collaboration with states, territories, and communities, the strategy focuses on addressing the social, emotional, and systemic factors that contribute to suicidal distress. It aims to reduce suicide deaths and attempts by strengthening early intervention, improving support systems, and ensuring inclusive, community-led responses. The strategy aligns with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy and reinforces the importance of culturally safe and locally responsive solutions. TH E NATIONAL A BORIG I N A L A N D TORRES STR A IT ISLA N DER SU ICI DE PREV ENTION STR ATEGY 2025 - 2023 5
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 sets a path for all governments to work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and communities to reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by driving culturally safe and responsive solutions NSW SU ICI DE P REV ENTION ACT 202 5
The Act fulfills an NSW Government commitment to introduce legislation to enshrine a whole of government approach to suicide prevention, to better understand, prevent, and respond to suicide and suicidal distress across NSW. It also provides a clear framework for government accountability, so that suicide prevention is not siloed or optional, but embedded into the business of government.
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