PILBARA MENTAL HEALTH WALK INSPIRES MARCH ON NOONGAR BOODJA

Agnes Lockyer and family will take part in the first ‘Gerty’s Walk’. Credit: Supplied.

In the Wheatbelt town of Northam, a walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention will be held this year for the first time, inspired by an annual Pilbara event.

Four years ago, Rowan Dann led the first ‘Rowan’s Walk’ in Port Hedland, to begin conversations about mental health and commemorate his aunty who died from suicide.

This year, Ballardong Noongar Yorga Agnes Lockyer is organising the first ‘Gerty’s Walk’ in Northam on Noongar Boodja, inspired by Rowan’s Walk and in commemoration of her sister Gerty, who died from suicide last year.

Ms Lockyer said the event will draw attention to the importance of “cultural prevention” of suicide.

“As Aboriginal people, we must view our health holistically,” she said.

“That’s our physical, mental, emotional, environmental, social, and definitely our cultural health.

“My aim is to highlight the importance of our culture and the impact it plays on our health.”

The event will also include cultural dancers and a smoking ceremony.

Rowan’s Walk and Gerty’s Walk will take place on October 8.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.