News

Collaborative’s vital role

By Rowan Frazer

Oct 6, 2026

Pictured as a past Finley Out of the Shadows Walk are (back, from left) Kaz Congram, Kate Murray, Jane Harris, Ainsley Massina, Tony and Michelle Smith and Clive Haynes; (front) Ivy and Lola Murray, Harvey Massina and Will Harris.

The Southern Riverina Wellbeing Collaborative exists for the community, providing resources and pathways to help for anyone experiencing a wellbeing crisis.

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As well as providing free mental health first aid training, the group assists in running and organising events to improve community connectedness.

Collaborative members host the annual Finley Out of the Shadows Walk, and has also support various other local sporting events, guest presentations and the recent screenings of Just a Farmer - a compelling movie that authentically portrays the impact of suicide on a rural Australian family.

Through a partnership with Finley High School, members provide the Burn Bright program which involves experiential leadership and wellbeing activities.

They have also supported training which means all current Year 8 students are teen mental health accredited, giving them the right tools to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide.

Advocacy to bring wellbeing services to the region is also a main priority for the group, which recognises that regional places are often forgotten about or neglected.

The collaborative was formed in 2021 after a local suicide death, and in response to other separate community issues that arose around the same time.

Founding members noted that while there were resources and support available afterwards, ongoing programs and education on prevention and reducing stigma were lacking.

Collaborative co-ordinator Michelle Smith said Berrigan Shire Council played a key role in the establishment of the group, helping to obtain initial seed funding.

“Now we’re fairly self-sufficient with little fundraising events held here and there,” she said.

Not a service provider, the role of the collaborative is to educate the community on where to turn for help.

Links to resources and support services is available at https://www.southernriverinawellbeing.com.au. The collaborative also shares information about events and programs on its Facebook page.

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Pathways to help can also be found at www.southernriverinawellbeing.com.au.