Suicide prevention is the aim of a new network in the Coorong

The network recently received $20,000 in grant funding from SA Health, which will help Conversations Matter and its sub-networks grow their presence and build awareness across the greater Coorong district.

Network chair Julie Barrie said the funding would ensure programs such as community education sessions, sporting club mental health training, a public awareness campaign, artwork programs, events and more could go ahead.

One project earmarked for funding is Long Story Short, which acknowledges rural men connect with each other by sharing stories.

“We know rural men are in the significant suicide risk category, and this demographic make up one of our biggest population groups in the Coorong,” Ms Barrie said.

With the help of expert storyteller Mark Thomson and using podcasting and geolocation as well as public artworks, people will be able to record their stories.

“Men in rural communities have a real knack for storytelling and through this program they will be encouraged to tell those yarns and record them,” Mr Thomson said.

Talented rural engineer George Bland and artist Warren Pickering are collaborating to create an artwork that will be displayed on the Meningie foreshore.

George and Warren were considered perfect partners to work on the project, as George has pursued artistic endeavours outside of engineering and is also a great storyteller, while Warrren has experience in public art and adaptable creative skills.

“The artwork will link to sailing and the history of life on the lake,” Mr Thomson said. “It will be an interesting sculpture that will blow in the wind and will be a trigger for storytelling through Long Story Short.

“We will encourage people from the local community to share their stories of working on the water. The stories will be a trigger for people to stop and look at the artwork.”

It is anticipated the artwork will be installed by the end of the year.