Kirsty Pepper proudly wears a Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group T-shirt, as she takes to the path with Poppy, Luca and dog Luna. Photos: Billie Davern.
“Today gives you permission to think about the one that you lost,” Jacky Gilbee told a crowd gathered behind the Yea Train Station.
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“Even if you only think about them this one day of the year: you can talk openly, you can say their name.
“My son was Russell, and it makes me happy to say his name because it brings him alive.”
Nate Proctor, Erin Boyd and pup Gus complete the walk at the blue tree with big smiles.
In 2021, about three years after her son’s passing, Ms Gilbee, who founded the Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group, turned her grief into action.
With the help of the community and GVSAG’s board, Ms Gilbee organised the inaugural Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Walk.
Now in its fourth year, the walk attracts people from across the region to Yea on the second Sunday of September.
The Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group banner shines on the bridge opposite the Melba Hwy.
Rick East and GVSAG founder Jacky Gilbee, holding dog Timmy, who belonged to her son, Russell.
For those either grieving or remembering, the walk offers a space for connection and acceptance, reminding attendees that they are not alone in their struggles.
The day began with an address from emcee David Anderson, member of the Yea Rotary Club, which both sponsored the event and provided hungry walkers with a delicious sausage sizzle on return.
“Whether you have been personally impacted or you simply wish to help raise awareness about suicide, thank you for joining us this morning,” Mr Anderson said.
GVSAG committee member Steve Joblin holds 19-year-old Timmy, a well-known mascot of the group.
Before the crowd took off along the rail trail to the two bridges across from the Melba Hwy, they listened to the touching and vulnerable speeches of Warren Davies, known as “The Unbreakable Farmer”, and Ron Hockley, known for serving as the hay man from Seymour.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher also read GVSAG’s honour roll, saying the names of those the community had lost to suicide.
It was a beautiful day for the event.
“This is one of the great honours that I’ve had the experience of being part of,” Cr Gallagher said.
“I really appreciate the offer from Jacky to come here today, and to the suicide awareness group, a local committee who supports some wonderful discussions, some wonderful conversations.
“I wish you all the very best for the future, to continue to make that word ‘suicide’ something that is accepted, something that is discussed and talked about.”
Aunty Angela ten Buuren performs the smoking ceremony as walkers take off down the rail trail.
As they took off, walkers passed through smoke, with the traditional ceremony performed by Taungurung Elder Aunty Angela ten Buuren.
“I’d like to acknowledge everyone here today as we pause to remember those lost to suicide,” Aunty Angela said during the Welcome To Country before the walk.
“It’s our time to remember them and to reflect together, to know we are not alone and to hopefully take some strength from this togetherness today.”
Nicole Marasco follows Luca and Charlie on their bikes along the rail trail.
Jacky Gilbee and Timmy welcome attendees to the event.
Past the lush farmlands the region is renowned for, and cars passing on the Melba Hwy beeping in solidarity and celebration, the walkers made their way to the large GVSAG banner strung across the bridge opposite the blue tree.
On their way, they took time to remember, reflect and share.
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