Key findings from an Indigenous Community Consultation event, held to gain valuable perspectives on local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention efforts, are now available.

Sunshine Coast’s Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous communities and key organisations came together for a much-needed conversation about suicide prevention at the Triballink Activity Centre in Mapleton last month.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die by suicide at twice the rate of non-Indigenous Australians, highlighting the need for collective action.

Key items of feedback from the consultation indicate a need for:

  • GP training that is specific to Indigenous patients’ assessment and treatment
  • Suicide awareness training, that is specific to identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and community at risk of suicide
  • An understanding of the underlying triggers specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Incorporating lived experience stories from Indigenous peoples
  • Working with Indigenous people to find solutions

Key representatives of the community will meet on Monday 20 May to turn the consultation findings into an action plan that aligns with the Alliance for Suicide Prevention model.

Developing the plan from community perspectives ensures it is culturally responsive and tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living on the Sunshine Coast.

View the summary of consultation feedback.