Damon has achieved many successes in his life, but has also faced his share of challenges. Through the ‘Better Off With You’ suicide prevention campaign pilot, developed by SANE Australia in partnership with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Damon was able to share his story with hope to inspire others to seek the support they need.

An elite wheelchair basketballer for Mackay, Damon was born with spina bifida and has endured over 90 operations in his life. He is also a two-time cancer survivor. It all caught up with Damon after years of bottling up his emotions, and he began to feel isolated, a burden to his loved ones, and felt like he couldn’t speak up and ask for help.

Damon explained that he felt uncontrollable in his own mind and woke up one day and didn’t want to be here anymore. It wasn’t until he found strength and courage to seek help that he was able to get the support he needed to achieve wellness.

“I was simply scared and did some things that very nearly ended my life,” Damon said.

“I opened up that day. And for me, the day I opened up was the day I actually started living my life again.

“I’m no longer a burden to myself, and I no longer feel like I’m a burden to those around me. I have so much to live for now.”

Damon now serves as a model for hope, helping others at risk to seek support and find their strength from within. He shared his story through the 'Better Off With You' suicide prevention campaign pilot targeting the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions.

The six-week campaign, launched in January 2020 utilising online platforms and social media, used real stories of individuals with lived experience of a suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts and feelings, or a suicide loss. This innovative approach to the campaign was designed to reach out to people who may be feeling the same way, let them know that they are not alone, inspire hope, and encourage them to seek support.

Through the campaign, Damon has been able to share his advice and experience with others so they too can overcome their feelings of being a burden.

“Find ways to tell yourself that you are better off here. It's very hard when you are in a negative mindset, but a few little positive things can be a reason to live,” said Damon.

“I can honestly say this is my biggest and proudest achievement to date. Thank you for allowing me to tell my story.”

The campaign complements the work being undertaken in the Mackay region to deliver the Suicide Prevention Community Action Plan (SPCAP) and community-based suicide prevention and awareness programs, helping northern Queenslanders live happier, healthier, longer lives.

Mackay and Bowen’s primary health workforce will be upskilled to provide better care for individuals in need of alcohol and other drugs services, thanks to a new training program launched today.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has collaborated with lead agency Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) to deliver the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Service Development initiative in the Mackay and Bowen region.

ATSICHS will work in close partnership with Indigenous organisations in the region, including Mackay and Region Aboriginal and Islander Development Association (MARABISDA) and Miller House, to identify and deliver on the AOD training needs of their workforces.

The AOD Service Development program will consider workforce upskilling in key elements of AOD service provision including:

• Screening
• Assessment
• Motivational interviewing
• Counselling
• Brief intervention
• Pharmacotherapy maintenance

The development of AOD clinical protocols and referral pathways to promote a culturally-sensitive and emotional wellbeing approach to AOD care for individuals will be another key element for the service.

NQPHN Director of Mental Health Gillian Yearsley said working in collaboration with service providers will benefit not only the AOD healthcare workforce, but also individuals in need of AOD services within the community.

“Working together with ATSICHS, MARABISDA, and Miller House will allow us to better understand and identify the training needs of AOD workforces in the Mackay and Bowen regions,” said Ms Yearsley.

“Fostering strong regional partnerships to advance the skills of the AOD healthcare workforce will lead to positive improvements for the care and wellbeing of individuals in need of these services within the community.

“At NQPHN, we’re committed to working with the sector to establish a range of evidence-based, culturally appropriate alcohol and other drug workforce development and training services.

“Alcohol and drug addiction can affect anybody, and can have a major impact on not just the individual, but also on their families and the broader community.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the fruits of these collaborations, and how the project will make a positive impact on the AOD healthcare workforce, the lives of people in need, and their families, across our local community.”

ATSICHS Mackay Executive Manager Valerie Pilcher said the program will have a positive impact on local Indigenous people in need of AOD support services.

“ATSICHS is committed to our Indigenous community to address the high demand for referral services and counselling for alcohol and other drugs, as identified in the Mackay region,” Ms Pilcher said.

The service has been funded until June 2019.