Sponsorship

Sponsor the Annual GV Suicide Awareness Walk

The Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group (GVSAG) is seeking corporate sponsorship and donations for our upcoming annual Suicide Awareness Walk, held in association with World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s event will take place on the morning of Sunday 13^th September 2026, in Yea. 

Our group of dedicated volunteers recognises that far too many family members, friends, and colleagues are lost to suicide. For those left behind, there is often an everwhelming sense of loss and grief, alongside the heavy burden of wondering if more could have been done.

The event begins at 8:30am at the Yea Railway Station with a welcome by host Warren Davies (‘The Unbreakable Farmer’) opening remarks from GVSAG founder Jacky Gilbee, followed by guest speaker Kendall Whyte OAM, who will share her journey and the inspiration behind the Blue Tree Project and how it focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Before the walk commences, Cindy McLeish MP will read an official honour roll. Participants will then walk along the Yea Rail Trail to the second bridge and back. Upon completion, a complimentary sausage sizzle will be provided by Yea Rotary Club.

By raising community awareness, the Walk aims to let those struggling with mental health know they are not alone – that support is available, starting with loved ones and the professional counsellors who will be on-site during the day. The event also provides a vital space for those who have lost loved ones to gather, remeber, and honour them together.

Suicide Statistics^*

• Nine Australians die every day by suicide – more than double the national road toll.
• 75% of those who take their own life are male, especially aged 40-59 and 85+.
• An estimated 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year.
• In 2024, 3,307 Australians took their own life.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
• The suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is twice that of their non-indigenous counterparts.
• People in rural populations are twice more likely to die by suicide.
• LGBTIQ+ community members report having attempted suicide in the past 12 months at a rate 10 times higher than the general Australian population.
• Males aged 85 and older experience the highest age-specific rate of suicide.
• 1 in 6 Australians have experienced suicidal thoughts and 1 in 3 Australians reported feeling lonely.
• Beyond the tragic loss of the individual, the impact of a suicide deth is felt by up to 135 people, including family members, colleagues, friends, and first responders.

Our Group would be deeply grateful for your corporate support to help fund this year’s event, covering essential costs such as advertising, reference materials, insurance, traffic control, and first aid. Everyone is welcome; even if you have not been personally touched by suicide, your support offers strength and hope to our wider community.

How to Support Us. If you would like to donate, become a sponsor, or contribute in another way, please contact our Founder, Jacky Gilbee, at 0417 907 278.

Sponsorships in excess of $500 received by 30 June will be acknowledged in promotional material for the Walk. Sponsorships after that date will be acknowledged verbally on the day of the walk.

If you would like to contribute or feel you can contribute in another way, please contact:

Founder: Jacky Gilbee ~ 0417 907 278

For all donations, please use the following account:

Bendigo Bank
BSB:633 000
Account: 183 037 993

(*) Source: https://www.lifeline.org.au/resources/data-and-statistics/

If after reading this communication, you feel you need support or to speak to someone, please call 24/7 Crisis Support:

Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636