welcome to the whyalla suicide prevention network inc. website

A resource for the whyalla community

The Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network Inc. is a local volunteer group established in October 2013. The Network are dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community through public education and community development projects designed to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote connection and inclusivity.

We have created this website as a resource for our community to help people connect to information, education, and services.
We invite you to explore our website for information you may be seeking and to get to know more about us, our projects and activities that help the Whyalla community to be suicide safer.

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The Whyalla Christmas committee are holding their annual Whyalla Christmas Relief Week from 10th -12th December 2024.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing financial pressures, you may be eligible to register for Christmas hamper. Please see organisations listed on flyer who you can contact to find out more information. 💛
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The Whyalla Christmas committee are holding their annual Whyalla Christmas Relief Week from 10th -12th December 2024.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing financial pressures, you may be eligible to register for Christmas hamper.  Please see organisations listed on flyer who you can contact to find out more information. 💛

🌟 We are thrilled to announce Anne as the new Chair of the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network! Join us in welcoming her as she steps into this new role! 🌟

How do you feel about becoming Chair of the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network?
I think I had a mix of feelings about it—some anxiety and excitement at the same time. I thought about Kimberley and the big shoes I have to fill. Not that I’ll ever completely fill those shoes, but I just want to make Kimberley proud, to be honest. I’m excited, though, because we have great people in our group, we work well together, and we do some pretty cool stuff.

What does becoming the Chair mean to you personally?
Personally, I feel honoured to take on the role of Chair. As a group, we have the potential to do so much good in our community to help people who may need support. For me, it’s not just about being Chair—it’s about being part of a group that I’m passionate about.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to get involved with the WSPN?
Back in 2017, I started a new job in suicide prevention. The reason I was interested in that job was because my husband and I both have our own lived experience—we both each lost someone to us to suicide. I was drawn to the opportunity to work in a space where I could help people who might be struggling. Through that job, I found out about the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network but before working in this new role, I hadn’t heard of the network at all. That’s how it all started for me

What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals?
My main goal as Chair right now is to find my footing and understand more what it means to be in this role. I want to support the network as a group to complete our annual projects, especially events like Roses in the Ocean, which is one of my favourites. I hope to continue supporting the events we’ve always done, as well as any new projects we’re planning. Overall, I want to help and support our network to support our community.

What do you think are some of the unique challenges faced by our community, and how does the Network aim to address them?
I think that, for many people in Whyalla, although we have a lot of different services available, it can be really hard to navigate which services might be the right fit, especially when going through tough times. This is something our network has tried to help with by designing our website which is a website that list all the local and national supports and services. We have tried to design a website that is easy for anyone to use and access information that could help support either themselves or others. - whyallaspn.com.au
I also believe there is still a lot of stigma, so often people may be facing different barriers that stops them from seeking support. As a network we aim to help reduce stigma through things like the events we hold, conversations we have to help normalise that its ok to not be ok and by sharing information about the supports available here in Whyalla.

What message would you like to share with those who might be struggling or know someone who is struggling?
I want people to know that they are not alone, no matter what their struggles might be. There are people who genuinely care, and as a network, we can help connect people with some of these support services.

For many it can be very hard to reach out for help when you are struggling or need a little support, so if you know someone who may be going through a hard time, I encourage you to reach in and start a conversation with them, you never know just how much, even the smallest acts of kindness can mean to someone.

Can you share a fun fact or something not many people know about you?
I’m a big kid at heart! When I’m around my nieces and nephew, I’m am known as the “crazy aunty” because I love being silly and having fun with them. I’m the one who is normally doing everything the kids are doing from playing on the playground, doing cartwheels and headstands, being silly and just making them laugh. I’d honestly love to go back and be 10 years old again—I think it would be amazing!

Another fun fact: I’m really good at doing headstands!

What activities or hobbies help you relax and recharge?
I enjoy teaching myself new things. Right now, I’m learning how to crochet using YouTube tutorials. I’ve even made a “test blanket” with different sections of stitches I’ve learned online. Crocheting has become a self-care activity for me in the evenings—I’ll sit in front of the TV and crochet.

Other self-care activities that help me relax and recharge include sports like netball, basketball, and going for walks. In the summertime, I love paddle boarding and spending time at the beach, which is one of my happy places. I just love being near the water. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and sleep in’s on Sunday!
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🌟 We are thrilled to announce Anne as the new Chair of the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network! Join us in welcoming her as she steps into this new role! 🌟

How do you feel about becoming Chair of the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network?
I think I had a mix of feelings about it—some anxiety and excitement at the same time. I thought about Kimberley and the big shoes I have to fill. Not that I’ll ever completely fill those shoes, but I just want to make Kimberley proud, to be honest. I’m excited, though, because we have great people in our group, we work well together, and we do some pretty cool stuff.
 
What does becoming the Chair mean to you personally?
Personally, I feel honoured to take on the role of Chair. As a group, we have the potential to do so much good in our community to help people who may need support. For me, it’s not just about being Chair—it’s about being part of a group that I’m passionate about.
 
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to get involved with the WSPN?
Back in 2017, I started a new job in suicide prevention. The reason I was interested in that job was because my husband and I both have our own lived experience—we both each lost someone to us to suicide. I was drawn to the opportunity to work in a space where I could help people who might be struggling. Through that job, I found out about the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network but before working in this new role, I hadn’t heard of the network at all. That’s how it all started for me
 
What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals?
My main goal as Chair right now is to find my footing and understand more what it means to be in this role. I want to support the network as a group to complete our annual projects, especially events like Roses in the Ocean, which is one of my favourites. I hope to continue supporting the events we’ve always done, as well as any new projects we’re planning. Overall, I want to help and support our network to support our community.
 
What do you think are some of the unique challenges faced by our community, and how does the Network aim to address them?
I think that, for many people in Whyalla, although we have a lot of different services available, it can be really hard to navigate which services might be the right fit, especially when going through tough times. This is something our network has tried to help with by designing our website which is a website that list all the local and national supports and services. We have tried to design a website that is easy for anyone to use and access information that could help support either themselves or others. - https://whyallaspn.com.au
I also believe there is still a lot of stigma, so often people may be facing different barriers that stops them from seeking support. As a network we aim to help reduce stigma through things like the events we hold, conversations we have to help normalise that its ok to not be ok and by sharing information about the supports available here in Whyalla. 
 
What message would you like to share with those who might be struggling or know someone who is struggling?
I want people to know that they are not alone, no matter what their struggles might be. There are people who genuinely care, and as a network, we can help connect people with some of these support services.
 
For many it can be very hard to reach out for help when you are struggling or need a little support, so if you know someone who may be going through a hard time, I encourage you to reach in and start a conversation with them, you never know just how much, even the smallest acts of kindness can mean to someone.
 
Can you share a fun fact or something not many people know about you?
I’m a big kid at heart! When I’m around my nieces and nephew, I’m am known as the “crazy aunty” because I love being silly and having fun with them. I’m the one who is normally doing everything the kids are doing from playing on the playground, doing cartwheels and headstands, being silly and just making them laugh. I’d honestly love to go back and be 10 years old again—I think it would be amazing!
 
Another fun fact: I’m really good at doing headstands!
 
What activities or hobbies help you relax and recharge?
I enjoy teaching myself new things. Right now, I’m learning how to crochet using YouTube tutorials. I’ve even made a “test blanket” with different sections of stitches I’ve learned online. Crocheting has become a self-care activity for me in the evenings—I’ll sit in front of the TV and crochet.
 
Other self-care activities that help me relax and recharge include sports like netball, basketball, and going for walks. In the summertime, I love paddle boarding and spending time at the beach, which is one of my happy places. I just love being near the water. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and sleep in’s on Sunday!

40 CommentsComment on Facebook

A great group to be part of......Lee

Well done Cyanne and Anne, great inspiring interview we are so privileged to have you as our new chair, and as you say Anne our wonderful committee members...

Congratulations Anne. I am Kimberley's dad and on behalf of Denise (Kim's mum) and myself we are excited for you to be Chairperson of WSPN. I know Kimberley would be as well. On reading of your experience, personality and desire to be the best that you can be, I am certain you will be an exceptional asset to the network and the community. Well done.

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Centacare, in collaboration with Whyalla Organized Rides (WOR), The Christmas Relief committee and other local
organisations confirm the STEEL CITY TOY RUN will be going ahead this year as we have done the last several years
together. This event is a crucial part of the Christmas Relief event held in December, providing toys to children in need.
This event will be held on Saturday 2nd November at Wilson Park from 10.30am.
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It was a beautiful day to enjoy the sunshine, connect with nature, and create uplifting messages through drawing, scribbling, and writing words of encouragement and hope. All to help brighten someone’s day while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and well-being.

A big thank you to Janice, Cyanne, Richard, Trudy, and Summa from WSPN, and Brooke, Em, and Rachel from Mission Australia, for your support and fantastic face painting skills at our CHALK ABOUT IT event.
Special thanks to Sumthin Tastee for their support as well. WSPN extends our gratitude to the community members who joined us in support!
... See MoreSee Less

It was a beautiful day to enjoy the sunshine, connect with nature, and create uplifting messages through drawing, scribbling, and writing words of encouragement and hope. All to help brighten someone’s day while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and well-being.

A big thank you to Janice, Cyanne, Richard, Trudy, and Summa from WSPN, and Brooke, Em, and Rachel from Mission Australia, for your support and fantastic face painting skills at our CHALK ABOUT IT event. 
Special thanks to Sumthin Tastee for their support as well. WSPN extends our gratitude to the community members who joined us in support!Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

Happening this coming Saturday, come join us and help fill the path with messages of hope and encouragement and why not enjoy a cuppa and cake made by the team at Sumthin' Tastee!
💛🧡💛Join us next month for our annual ‘Let’s Chalk About It’s event.

We will be set up next to Sumthin' Tastee on Saturday 12th of October from 10:30am until 1:30pm, and Mission Australia - Whyalla will joining us and offering free face painting.

Lets fill the footpath with messages of hope and encouragement 💛🧡💛
... See MoreSee Less

Happening this coming Saturday, come join us and help fill the path with messages of hope and encouragement and why not enjoy a cuppa and cake made by the team at Sumthin Tastee! 
💛🧡💛

October is Mental Health Month & 13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗻.

If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. #13YARN #OurStoryOurHealing #YouRightOrWhat
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Join us next month for our annual ‘Let’s Chalk About It’s event.

We will be set up next to Sumthin' Tastee on Saturday 12th of October from 10:30am until 1:30pm, and Mission Australia - Whyalla will joining us and offering free face painting.

Lets fill the footpath with messages of hope and encouragement 💛🧡💛
... See MoreSee Less

Join us next month for our annual ‘Let’s Chalk About It’s event.

We will be set up next to Sumthin Tastee on Saturday 12th of October from 10:30am until 1:30pm, and Mission Australia - Whyalla will joining us and offering free face painting.

Lets fill the footpath with messages of hope and encouragement 💛🧡💛
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