Changing the direction towards hope: Walk brings community together to raise awareness for suicide prevention

A group of families in North Rockhampton has organised a regular community walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention, spurred on by a deeper desire to contribute towards the spiritual and social enrichment of their surroundings. 

The group, named Nurim after the sacred mountain overlooking the area, has been hosting a weekly devotional gathering organised by the Baha’is and open to all. These spaces provide the opportunity for individuals to reflect on themes of spiritual importance and issues of significance in the neighbourhood. 

The idea to organise a monthly walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention was first conceived in this space. This concept is built on the premise that at critical moments in life we can choose to change direction, turning away from hopelessness and casting our minds and hearts towards hope. 

The idea was shared with Aunty Ethel Speedy, elder of the Darumbal tribe, custodians of the Rockhampton area, who wholeheartedly embraced it. About 500 pamphlets were distributed during the annual NAIDOC festival in Rockhampton. Indigenous youth Jeremy Obah assisted in making a promotional YouTube film to be shared across social media.

The inaugural walk commenced from a spot designated as ‘a sacred healing site’ by the Darumbal people and which was home to the weekly devotional gathering – Gummo Nunthi Inda Noon-Dje (water the garden of your soul).  

The walk also coincided with the release of the ‘Change Direction’ YouTube film produced by Indigenous director and film maker Warwick Thornton, which inspired the name for the walk. The Change Direction company was contacted for support and provided a gift as well as designs for T-shirts and pamphlets. 

The walk meandered its way along the bank of the Fitzroy (Tanuba) River, a space treasured by the local community. Passing a respected place in the process was essential since suicide affects significantly more individuals in Australia’s Indigenous population. 

The First Nations friends embraced the event by welcoming all, playing the didgeridoo and holding a smoking ceremony to bless the participants. Aunty Ethel explained that “The smoke cleanses the environment chasing away the negative forces”. 

Around 50 people participated in the day. Auntie Ethel Speedy and Uncle Lester Adams gave an address about the importance of coming together to raise awareness and strengthen collective efforts in suicide prevention. 

The walk itself covered seven kilometres. At the halfway point, another elder shared words of encouragement while handing out the Change Direction palindrome poem on a postcard, symbolising a turning away from darkness and the choice to walk toward life and hope. 

The gathering was marked by reflection, unity, and deep respect for culture. Many individuals from the local community were moved by the initiative, in particular those touched by suicide including Aunty Gloria and Jeremy. Aunty Gloria said “This is an important thing to do and I want to support it”. 

Since then, the Change Direction initiative has expanded. The second monthly walk occurred in Rockhampton with two planned during the Suicide Prevention Month of September. There has been an uptake in Gracemere, supported by several organisations including walking groups and the Police and Community Youth Clubs.

The movement continues to grow, with organisations taking turns each month to host new gatherings. At its heart lies the idea of community — reaching out, supporting one another, and walking together toward hope.  Prayers are offered for communities everywhere to take up the challenge and walk together with others to change the direction of this torment that affects nine Australians every day.

Watch the video below for a glimpse of the event: