Media Release 2 September 2025
Sydney Harbour sunflower memorial this weekend: Honouring lives lost to suicide – and training communities to save lives
This Saturday, 6 September 2025, people bereaved by suicide will gather at ACO On The Pier, Walsh Bay, for the Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service, a deeply moving event where sunflowers* are placed into Sydney Harbour, in honour of loved ones lost.
Timed just before World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), the Sydney service gives the community a greater opportunity to come together on a weekend to reflect, grieve and find hope in solidarity.
The need for connection and prevention has never been greater. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 3,214 Australians died by suicide in 2023, an average of nine lives every day. In NSW, suicide deaths rose to 954 in 2024, higher than in previous years.
Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron, says, “Every life lost to suicide leaves behind a circle of grief that touches families, friends, colleagues and communities. When we gather at the memorial, we remind each other that no one grieves alone.
“Remembrance has now led to action and that is why Wesley LifeForce provides free suicide prevention training and networks across Australia, so anyone can have the skills to recognise the signs and potentially save a life.”
More than 50,000 people in metro, regional, rural and remote communities have completed free training, giving them the skills to recognise warning signs and support those at risk. In addition, 138 Wesley LifeForce Networks and over 3,000 volunteers are mobilised across Australia, building safer, more connected communities where people feel valued and supported.
Rev Cameron says, “It is a reminder that every life lost is a tragedy and that compassion, connection and hope can grow when we stand together. With training, prevention is possible.”
The service will feature music, prayer and lived-experience voices, with counsellors available to provide care and support.
Event details:
• Saturday 6 September 2025, 12.00 – 1.00 pm
• ACO On The Pier – Pier 2/3, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
• Accessible by public transport and car
Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training go to www.wesleylifeforce.org.au
Media contact:
Anne Holt – 0418 628 342
Available for interview:
• Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron
• Wesley LifeForce General Manager and suicide prevention expert, Andy Moore
• Lived experience spokesperson
* Sunflowers have long been considered a symbol of hope, strength and resilience as the vibrant yellow flower, supported by a strong stem, turns its face towards the sun.
About Wesley Mission’s Suicide Prevention Work
Wesley LifeForce is a national suicide prevention program that educates, empowers and resources local communities, supporting people most at risk. More than 50,000 people have completed Wesley LifeForce training, and with 138 community networks and 3,000 volunteers, the program is driving grassroots action against suicide across Australia.
