Media release
For immediate release 24 November 2025
Sunflower memorial in Canberra brings hope to those affected by suicide - 24 November 2025
Leading suicide prevention advocates, community members and families impacted by suicide will gather on Monday 24 November, from 6.00pm–7.00pm at Old Parliament House – Members’ Dining Room 1, for the ACT Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service.
The annual event provides a space for Territorians to honour loved ones lost to suicide, reflect on their grief and connect with others who share similar experiences. The service will feature music, readings and stories from two lived-experience speakers, alongside a message of hope from Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron.
The memorial comes at a significant time for the ACT. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the territory records an average of 17 ambulance attendances each month for suicidal ideation and 10 attendances for suicide attempts. Preliminary national data shows the ACT recorded 7.7 suicide deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, with rising cost-of-living pressures, rental stress and healthcare affordability continuing to affect community wellbeing.
Rev Cameron says many Territorians carry the silent weight of losing someone they deeply love to suicide.
“Grief takes time and courage and no one in our ACT community needs to walk that journey alone. When we come together, we honour those we have lost and strengthen the hope that keeps us moving forward.”
Wesley LifeForce delivers free suicide-prevention training nationally, including across the ACT, to equip communities with practical skills to recognise the signs of distress and support someone who may be at risk.
As part of the memorial service, attendees are encouraged to bring a photo or personal item for the memorial wall, where they can leave a message of love and remembrance.
The event will conclude with a symbolic sunflower tribute, where everyone is invited to place a sunflower at the memorial wall. Sunflowers have long represented hope, strength and resilience - with their vibrant yellow petals and strong stems turning steadfastly toward the sun.
Event details
Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service ACT
Monday 24 November 2025
Old Parliament House – Members’ Dining Room 1,
6.00pm – 7.00pm
18 King George Terrace, Canberra
For more information about the Wesley LifeForce Memorial Service, Wesley LifeForce Training or to access support, please visit wesleylifeforce.org.au
ENDS
Media contact:
Anne Holt 0418 628 342 [email protected] or
Andy Moore 0401 148 787 [email protected]
Available for interview:
- Wesley Mission CEO, Rev Stu Cameron
- Wesley LifeForce General Manager and suicide subject matter expert, Andy Moore
- Wesley LifeForce National Training Manager, Bethany Farley
- Lived experience person
About Wesley Mission’s Suicide Prevention work
Wesley LifeForce is a national suicide prevention program run by Wesley Mission that educates, empowers and resources local communities, supporting people most at risk. More than 40,000 people have been trained through the program during the past 15 years.
With a presence in every state, focusing on areas where the problem of suicide hits the hardest, Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks are community-led action groups addressing suicide at a local level. So far, there are 130 groups across Australia representing a membership of more than 2,500 people. New networks are being established every year through the support of the Commonwealth Government and Primary Health Networks.
For further information click here.
MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: Most people – including media professionals – have been touched by suicide. For many people, the service will be one of mixed emotions. We ask that you respect the privacy of people who are attending and those participating in the service.
For safe reporting guidelines on suicide go to:
https://everymind.org.au/resources/mindframe-for-media-professionals
People who are experiencing distress can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
