Out of dark shadows

The annual Out of the Shadows walk continues to draw people together to remember a loved one lost to suicide and, as a community, in a move to change conversation about suicide.

Ballarat Police Leading Senior Constable Hudson said the walk had become an increasingly important fixture for Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network, of which he was chairman.

“The walk is for anyone who wants to make a difference, whether they have been personally affected by suicide or those who want to advocate for better service provisions to help those who are in a dark place,” Leading Senior Constable Hudson said. “It’s important to know there is always someone to listen.”

This year’s walk is on Saturday, a day before World Suicide Prevention Day.

Tea candles light the path people will take from a rotunda near Lake Wendouree into Ballarat Botanical Gardens and along Prime Ministers’ Avenue. There are four reflection points for a reading, music and the roll call of loved ones lost.

Leading Senior Constable Hudson, who is also a City of Ballarat councillor, said the mood of the hour-long group walk was reflective, solemn and always very moving.

“This is a symbolic nature being in a dark place to start and by the second reflection point, there is the dawning of a new day,” Leading Senior Constable Hudson said.

Eight Australians take their own life each day or one every three hours.

Lifeline Ballarat project manager Michelle MacGillivray said we, as a community, needed to talk openly and honestly about suicide to better prevent suicide.

“We need to talk to each other and importantly, be educating the community,” Ms MacGillivray said. “That’s what we’re out to do in this walk.” Out of Shadows meets at the rotunda near Pipers by the Lake at 5.30am. 

If you or someone you know is in need of support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.