Heartfelt messages from loved ones left behind were placed on wreaths on Warrnambool’s Civic Green on Monday for National White Wreath Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Each wreath laid represented a life lost to suicide and the annual day encourages family or friends to remember them and realise they are not alone.
National White Wreath Day is a White Wreath Association initiative, established in remembrance of suicide victims.
Warrnambool mum Julie Rentsch laid a wreath for her son Brett, who died in October 2013, aged 36 years.
She said it was an important day for her and their family who would visit the Civic Green throughout the day.
“For me, I don’t think their death should define their life and I think that’s what happens,” Ms Rentsch said.
She said while Brett was not an “overly demonstrative person” he would have been “secretly chuffed” that they were there to remember him.
Ms Rentsch said the suicide rate was higher than the national road toll but it didn’t get the same attention. "The stigma’s still there.”
Ms Rentsch also participates in Lifeline’s annual Out of the Shadows and Into the Light Walk supporting people touched by mental illness and suicide.
Warrnambool co-ordinator Lynny Mast said south-west families returned annually to reflect and grieve.
The tributes’ prominent central location also helped to raise public awareness about suicide with families bringing or decorating wreaths and could lay photos or other mementoes.
The association aims to remove the unfounded myths and stigmas associated with suicide and mental illness. “And to remind the whole of Australia that every life is precious, that these people are not just statistics, but dearly loved human beings...”
- If you or someone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
RELATED: White wreaths to remember loved ones