Significant contribution to fight suicide
A COMMUNITY approach is needed to reduce the number of deaths caused by suicide, said Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland chief executive officer Derek Tuffield.
“In Australia every three hours a person takes their own life and suicide remains the leading cause of death amongst those aged 15 -44 years,” he said.
“We are working towards reducing suicide by 20 percent by 2020 and these funds will enable us to continue our work across our region building suicide-safer communities.”
Mr Tuffield’s comments came at the FKG Group Battling for Lifeline Gala Dinner, hosted by the Order of ST John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitalier in aide of the Darling Downs charity on July 15.
Mr Tuffield said he was “humbled and amazed” to be presented with a cheque for $100,000 and thanked the Order of St John, guest speakers Australian cricket greats Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes, and event sponsors for donating their time to help raise vital funds for the worthy cause.
All funds raised from the event will be used to deliver the Lifeline Darling Downs’ Living Works Suicide Awareness and Prevention training in Toowoomba, Dalby, Warwick, Roma, St George and Charleville.
Order of St John Prior Bob Kretchmann said he was delighted to have raised such a significant amount of money for suicide prevention.
“In 2015 Queensland recorded the greatest
increase in suicide rates across the country, which is a very sad statistic,” he said.
“We are sure that that the funds raised will make a significant contribution towards achieving Lifeline Darling Downs goals.”
Other sponsors of the event include FKG Group, PB Agrifoods, Create Financial Solutions, Qld Cotton, Wagners, USQ, Clive Berghofer, The Chronicle, Quest Apartments Toowoomba and The Avenues of Highfields.