First Nations Co. acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of these lands never ceded. We acknowledge the continued custodianship and protection of country and culture. We acknowledge the cultural knowledge that sustains country, culture and community. We honour our old people and thank them for their leadership, their guidance and their legacy. This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
At First Nations Co., we are dedicated to fostering meaningful change. We are excited to announce our collaboration with the NSW Government to consult with First Nations communities on shaping the NSW Suicide Prevention Legislation. Our mission is to engage thoroughly with the NSW Government's Suicide Prevention Legislation Discussion Paper, working alongside our community to identify key priorities that will strengthen this important Legislation.
About the Project:
This initiative is focused on you—First Nations peoples in NSW. We are reaching out to service providers, sector representatives, elders, youth, individuals with disabilities, gender-diverse individuals, non-English speakers, and those living in rural and remote areas. We want to hear from those with lived experiences of suicidal distress, caregivers, and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Your voices are essential in this legislative journey, ensuring we capture the heart and soul of our communities.
Understanding the Suicide Prevention Legislation:
A Suicide Prevention Legislation establishes a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention. It fosters collective responsibility, accountability, and action across government initiatives. By embedding the voices of individuals with lived and living experience into this Legislation, we can inform and guide policymakers, ensuring that a suicide prevention lens is applied in decision-making.
The Need for Suicide Prevention Legislation:
Suicide prevention requires a collective effort, as it is a complex behaviour influenced by various factors beyond just health or mental health. To effectively address the issue, a comprehensive approach is necessary, one that considers the social, economic, physical, cultural, and community factors contributing to adversity and distress.
This legislation aims to unite government efforts in tackling the broad risk factors associated with suicide while promoting community well-being and strengthening protections against distress. It provides a framework to prioritise suicide prevention and achieve sustained, systemic change.
Primary Goal: The main objective of this legislation is to establish a guiding framework that facilitates cohesive action across various government entities.
The key components include:
- State-Based Suicide Prevention Plan
- Agency-Based Action Plans
- Suicide Prevention Council
- Capacity Building for Suicide Prevention
- Enhanced Data Collection and Sharing
- Incorporating Suicide Impact in Policy Decisions
For more information about the legislation, please click here.
Get Involved:
First Nations Co. is hosting a series of in-person and virtual consultation sessions where you can share your voice, experiences, and suggestions. These sessions will facilitate open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that the voices of those with lived and living experience are embedded in the development of the NSW Suicide Prevention Legislation.
In line with First Nations Co. Lived Experience Engagement and Participation Guidelines, all participants with lived experience will be compensated for their time and contributions. If you are interested in participating in this consultation opportunity, please submit an 'Expression of Interest'. Your input is invaluable in shaping effective Suicide Prevention Legislation!
Our Engagement is based on Collective Yarning:
Crisis support services are available. Contact:
