Content warning: The following article contains discussion on suicide which may be distressing to readers.
Every year, suicide leaves a profound impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and Communities. Grief, worry, and trauma can linger, affecting connection to Culture, Country, and Community—the very things that hold our people strong.
A new suicide prevention campaign, “Connection is Prevention: Just Have the Yarn,” has launched to support the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The campaign encourages people to recognise the signs, speak up early, and reach out to those who may be struggling.
At the heart of the campaign is a short, powerful film that demonstrates how a simple conversation can break stigma, isolation and save lives. Posters and digital resources complement the film, encouraging Mob to reach out and have meaningful yarns with family, friends, and Community.
A new online service directory, BLKTRX, has also recently launched to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria find culturally safe and responsive mental health, SEWB, and suicide prevention services.
Created with and for Community, BLKTRX is Victoria’s first Aboriginal online mental health service directory that brings information about support services together in one place, recognising that help is not one-size-fits-all. BLKTRX makes it easier to seek support for themselves, their family, Elders or someone they care about and find services that feel right.
The directory highlights services delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) in Victoria and allows users to search by service type, location, postcode, cohort, language name region and topic. An interactive map also helps people quickly locate local support in a simple, visual way.
The Connection is Prevention campaign as well as the BLKTRX directory were made possible with the valuable guidance and contributions of the Garrka yap-u burrundyata Knowledge Holders Group. The group urges everyone to check in with their Mob, support those who may be doing it tough, and connect with trusted local services.
In early 2025, the Yirramboi Murrup Unit at the Coroners Court of Victoria released its Suicides of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Victoria, 2020–2024 report, which found the annual rate of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains three times higher than for non-Indigenous Victorians.
It also revealed that 56.6 per cent of Aboriginal people who died by suicide during this period were under 35 years of age, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and culturally safe support.
Nicola Perry-Peters, Director at the Balit Durn Durn Centre, said the campaign aims to break down the stigma and shame around speaking up, while ensuring people know where to find culturally safe support when they need it.
“This is a critical time of year for our Communities, when our social and emotional wellbeing can be heavily impacted by the additional pressures from the holiday period, as well as the grief that can resurface when we’re reminded that loved ones may no longer be here,” Ms Perry-Peters said.
“These resources — including the new BLKTRX directory — are the start of a suite of resources to help Mob feel confident to reach out for support. A simple yarn, a check-in, or a moment of connection can make all the difference — because connection is prevention.”
Ms. Perry-Peters also highlights that BLKTRX is more than an online service directory — it’s a Community-led step forward that backs self-determination, strengthens choice, and makes trusted services easier to reach.
Additional resources, including a promotional kit, is set to be released in early 2026.
This campaign forms part of VACCHO’s broader commitment to strengthening Aboriginal SEWB across Victoria. VACCHO’s 2026–27 State Budget Bid calls for investment in two Aboriginal Healing Centres and The Nest, a dedicated Aboriginal Family Safety and Healing Hub. These initiatives will provide culturally safe spaces for recovery, connection, and holistic support — crucial elements in reducing the long-term impacts of trauma, grief, and suicide on our Communities.
The “Connection is Prevention: Just Have the Yarn” campaign resources are available here.
View the BLKTRX online directory here.
NOTE: Your social and emotional wellbeing is important. Further support can be found through any of the following support lines and resources:
- 13YARN | 13 92 76 (24/7)
- Brother to brother crisis line (24/7) | 1800 435 799
- Yarning Safe N Strong (24/7) | 1800 959 563
- Thirrili – The National Indigenous Postvention Service – After Suicide Support (24/7) | 1800 805 801
- Qlife – anonymous and free LGBTI peer support (3pm-Midnight every day) | 1800 184 527
- SuicideLine Victoria | 1300 651 251
- Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline (24/7) | 1800 55 1800
- Lifeline Australia (24/7) | 13 11 14