Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)— While it is becoming more accepted for people to discuss their mental health journeys, the topic of suicide remains taboo in many ways.

Charlestown's Lyndsay Walker and his partner Vicki Mendyk are raising awareness about suicide and its impact on families and communities and have launched a new platform aimed at suicide prevention called UMatter.

Thank you to Lyndsay who shared the journey of how they came to create their platform with me. Lyndsay and Vicki are raising awareness about suicide and its impact on families and communities. Five years ago, Vicki's life was upended when she lost two people very close to her from suicide.

By creating the Instagram platform, Vicki has a safe place to share her real life experience with others and link locals with networks throughout the Hunter region. In 2022, UMatter organised a 12-hour walk around Maitland Park, starting at 8pm and finishing at 8am.

67km later, the participants finished in the light after the dark night together on the track. Lyndsay and Vicki created @UMatter_awareness as a support for others.

I would like to recognise Lyndsay and Vicki for sharing their story for the wellbeing of others.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!