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Federal suicide prevention funding for South Australia

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, today approved funding for six projects totalling over $1.9 million under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to address suicide prevention in South Australia.

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14 June 2002

Federal suicide prevention funding for South Australia

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, today approved funding for six projects totalling over $1.9 million under the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to address suicide prevention in South Australia.

"Suicide is a major public health problem in Australia, with more than 2,500 people dying each year", Senator Patterson said.

"The projects take a wide ranging approach to suicide prevention which includes developing linkages between services, working with groups at particular risk and assisting the community to be more aware of mental health issues." Senator Patterson said.

Project grants were awarded following consultations with targeted areas of high need in South Australia. Representatives of community organisations and both state and local government organisations will work together to implement projects that will build infrastructure and support networks through local partnerships for people at risk of suicide.

Community initiatives will be developed in the following regions:

  • Port Augusta and Whyalla
  • Salisbury and Playford local government areas
  • Murraylands
  • Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands

Groups at risk of suicide include young men, the elderly, people with mental illnesses, people with substance abuse problems, rural and remote residents, Indigenous Australians and people in correctional institutions.

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy aims to help local communities build resources and expand and develop existing links with community and non-government organisations that support people at risk of suicide or self-harming behaviours.

Media Contact: Marnie Gaffney, Senator Patterson's office, 03 9657 9577

For further information: Lisa Perry, Department of Health and Ageing 02 6289 1555