In response to the escalating need for effective suicide postvention strategies the Murrumbidgee Local Response Group (LRG) was established in 2018 to ensure a timely, coordinated, and effective postvention response. Comprising key organizations—Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), Wellways, NSW Police, and NSW Ambulance—the LRG is governed by the Murrumbidgee Suicide Postvention Protocol. This protocol outlines an incident response plan activation pathway, roles, key contacts, and guidelines for cross-sector collaboration.
The LRG operates across the entire Murrumbidgee catchment, engaging a whole-of-region approach with a dedicated Suicide Prevention Regional Response Coordinator communicating with various stakeholders, including the Department of Education, community-managed organizations, and youth services. The group responds to suicide events and other critical incidents that pose a risk or adverse health outcomes in the community. The LRG’s main objective is to provide a coordinated response to ensure that individuals and communities affected by suicide have access to appropriate support, while avoiding gaps in service or overwhelming them with unnecessary interventions.
By fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, the LRG creates a platform where there is no hierarchy—only a shared commitment to supporting affected communities. Members of the group willingly share both personal and professional experiences to enhance the quality of their collective efforts. This authenticity and transparency make the LRG a unique and highly effective model for regional postvention work.
The LRG responds swiftly, convening within 24-48 hours of notification if an incident requires activation. The group’s response plans tailors activities to the specific needs of the impacted community, including bereavement information sessions, social media communication, and media liaison through Mindframe. Additionally, the Wellways After Suicide Support Program offers personalised support to families and friends affected by suicide.
The LRG exemplifies the conference theme “Together, Towards, Tomorrow,” as it brings together key agencies to foster resilience, support communities in their most vulnerable moments, and work toward a future where postvention is seamlessly integrated into regional suicide prevention strategies