$15 million grant to support Indigenous suicide postvention service to 2024

Media Release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP - Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Morrison Government is providing $15 million over three years to Thirrili Ltd to provide culturally-appropriate bereavement support and follow-up services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Thirrili was selected as the national provider following a competitive grants process.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said mental health and suicide prevention is a national priority, including suicide postvention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Thirrili will help to reduce adverse health outcomes for families and communities who suffer a suicide and assist in addressing further suicidal behaviours, particularly through their 24-hour help line – 1800 805 801. 

“Indigenous Australians are dying by suicide at twice the rate of other Australians – it is tearing a hole in the fabric of our culture and our communities.  

“My aspiration is to see the number of suicide deaths in our culture down to zero. Until that day, ensuring there is bereavement support for Indigenous Australians is absolutely vital. 

"Thirrili supports the many people who are affected by these deaths. They work with bereaved individuals, families, communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to provide immediate support and subsequent referrals to services matched to their needs.

“All of this is provided in a culturally safe, timely and compassionate way.

“As an experienced provider of suicide postvention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Thirrili Ltd is best placed to continue delivering these services and build upon the work they have undertaken over the last few years.”

Thirrili CEO Jacqueline McGowan-Jones said: “the extension of funding will enable us to focus on continuous improvement of our service and provide critical supports to our current and future clients.

We thank the Minister and the Morrison Government  for their continued investment in Indigenous led postvention services, and in our organisation”. 

This funding complements the Morrison Government’s record $2.3 billion investment in mental health and suicide prevention initiatives announced as part of the Budget and supports efforts to achieve outcome 14 of Closing the Gap.

If you or someone you know are concerned about suicide or would benefit from mental health support, you can contact any of the following services:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

Headspace – 1800 650 890, or online at headspace.org.au/eheadspace/