General News
22 November, 2025
Ararat community walks together to honour lives lost
CLOSE to fifty people took time out last Saturday to join the annual suicide memorial walk around the Alexandra Gardens. The walk is organised by the Ararat Suicide Prevention Awareness Group and brings together the loved ones of people who’ve died by suicide.
Presidents Caterina Di Domenico-Linton said it was important to honour the lives of those lost to suicide.
“We are here today to reflect, remember and pay tribute to the lives of our loved family members and friends who we have lost to suicide.
“We are here because every life matters,” she said.
Father Martin Nadarajan delivered the opening prayer, saying losing a loved one to suicide impacts on people’s lives forever.
“Suicide loss presents a unique kind of grief complicated by unanswered questions and stigma from those who don’t understand.
“It’s a topic that is very uncomfortable to talk about and that’s why we should all talk about it,” he said.
The keynote speaker at the event was Ararat based Sergeant Shane Allgood who spoke as a first responder on the impact of suicide.
“Today's walk is a moment to remember, to honour, and to stand beside one another.
“Every person standing here this morning is a reminder that no one walks through life
alone. Whether you're here because you've lost someone, because you've struggled
yourself, or because you want to support others — your presence matters. It sends a
message, our community cares. We show up. We walk alongside each other,” he said.
Sergeant Allgood said Police often deal with people at their lowest point in life.
“Some of my very first jobs in the police force involved mental health crises. One
callout was to a man who had taken his own life. Another was to someone who had
left a note but thankfully, couldn't go through with it and was found safe 45 minutes
from home.
“Across the years I’ve been to fires, floods, protests and everything in between — but
the jobs involving suicide and mental health stay with you. Not because they're
dramatic, but because they're deeply human,” he said.
Ararat Suicide Prevention Awareness Group holds regular social evenings and volunteers are more than happy to help members of the community who are feeling down.
Check their Facebook page for further information or email araratspag@gmail.com
If you need help, please contact Lifeline 131 114, Men’s Line 1300 789 989 or
Headspace 1800 650 890.
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