Since our inception in 2013, we have been involved in many projects and events within the Whyalla community, Eyre Peninsula and nationally.

The World’s Biggest Comic (WBC) is an initiative of the Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network Inc. that commenced in July 2018. The project was funded by Country SA Primary Health Network under the National Suicide Prevention Trial, the South Australian Office of the Chief Psychiatrist under the SA Suicide Prevention Community Grants Scheme and the Whyalla City Council.

The World’s Biggest Comic is a highly innovative, large scale public art project designed to tell a compelling original story that promotes the importance of mental health and the five ways to wellbeing. Through inclusive and participatory community development practice, we have engaged a group of local creative minded people to write, illustrate and produce a significant piece of sequential narrative art – a work unique to South Australia that generated regional interest while inspiring deep thought, meaningful conversations, and a connection to time and place.

The concept involves the design of large comic panels – comprising of 600 square meters of art work printed on vinyl canvas and mounted on local buildings and infrastructure across the Whyalla area. The project featured the work of 46 local artists from diverse backgrounds in over 15 locations, with support from 26 local businesses and organisations.

The non-permanent nature of the installation also creates the potential for this project to be exhibited in different regions across the state. This project was underpinned by the ‘five ways to wellbeing principles’.

Our network also supported and supervised a Masters Social Work Student who through their 3 month placement helped to evaluate this project.

The First Responders project focussed on those who protect, defend and care for us in our communities with recognition that the jobs they undertake leave a residue that can lead to challenges with mental health and wellbeing. The project consisted of 3 key activities; Helping the Helpers short films, exclusive first responders’ dinner with lived experience guest speakers and the opportunity to undertake free safeTALK suicide alertness training.

2022

whyalla wellness weekend

International Survivor of Suicide Loss Day Event, hosted by StandBy Support After Suicide, supported by WSPN

Roses in the Ocean Event

Ruok? day

2021

lets chalk about it

ruok day

2020

first responders project

lets chalk about it

Beyond Bank Double Donation Day

Roses in the Ocean Event

2019

2018

2017

FREE Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Supported by WSPN, delivered by Mates In Construction

2016

2015

2013