‘Brave conversations’: Junee to host free suicide prevention workshop

A FREE suicide prevention training workshop will be held in Junee on Monday, February 16, with locals invited to take part in a four-hour Mental Health First Aid session aimed at building community confidence to recognise warning signs, ask direct questions, and connect someone to the right support.

The Brave Conversations training will run from 10am to 2pm at the Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club, led by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Master Trainer Priscilla Jaya, who says suicide prevention “cannot sit solely with professionals”.

“…it needs to live within communities,” Ms Jaya said.

The workshop is designed for adults aged 18 and over and is intended for everyday community members — not just clinicians — with organisers encouraging parents, teachers, carers, farmers, health workers, volunteers, veterans, Defence personnel and other locals to step forward as “community champions”.

Ms Jaya said her work delivering suicide prevention education across rural and regional communities was “both personal and professional”, shaped by lived experience as well as her clinical background.

“I am a Mental Health First Aid Master Trainer, speaker and coach specialising in mental health, trauma and leadership,” she said.

“I have also lost my brother to suicide, walked my own journey with depression and suicidal thoughts, and supported many individuals and families impacted by suicide.

“This work is not just theory for me — it is lived experience.”

With a background in intensive care nursing and telephone triaging, Ms Jaya now focuses on helping others build the knowledge and confidence to respond when someone is struggling, including people dealing with trauma, anxiety and depression.

She said the impact of suicide can be particularly acute in small towns, where the effects are felt widely through close networks.

“In small communities like ours, when we lose one person, the ripple effects are felt everywhere — in families, workplaces, sporting clubs and schools,” she said.

MHFA Master Trainer, Priscilla Jaya | Photo: Supplied

While rural towns are often defined by resilience, Ms Jaya said the same culture of strength can sometimes become a barrier to seeking help early, particularly when services are limited.

“Rural communities are resilient, but that strength can sometimes mean people carry distress quietly,” she said.

“Distance, privacy concerns and limited services can all become barriers to seeking help. That is why early, community-based intervention matters so much.”

Ms Jaya said Brave Conversations is designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to recognise risk, ask directly about suicide, and guide someone toward appropriate support.

To ensure psychological safety, she said places will be capped at 24 and there are participation guidelines due to the sensitive nature of the content.

“Because of the content, participants are asked to ensure they are not currently experiencing suicidal thoughts themselves and have not had a direct suicide bereavement or personal suicide crisis within the past 12 months.”

She said the Junee session is part of a broader grassroots approach, with several participants to be offered a longer-term pathway.

“Importantly, this initiative goes beyond a single workshop,” she said.

“Three to four participants will have the opportunity to volunteer as Community Champions, receiving further leadership and communication training along with Mental Health First Aid accreditation. The goal is to build lasting, grassroots capacity across the Riverina.”

Ms Jaya said the Junee training has been made possible through funding from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.

“I am deeply grateful for their support in strengthening suicide prevention efforts in our region,” she said.

The session is free to attend, but registration is required. Register Here: Humanitix

Training details

What: Brave Conversations — 4-hour Conversations About Suicide training (Mental Health First Aid)
When: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 10.00am–2.00pm
Where: Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club
Cost: Free

Register Here: Humanitix

If you or someone you know needs help now, call Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, or 000 in an emergency.