In each step, we honour the lost, bringing hope out of the shadows
More than 100 people gathered at Macarthur Memorial Park (MMP) on Thursday 10 September for Lifeline Macarthur & Western Sydney’s Out of the Shadows Walk, held on World Suicide Prevention Day.
The annual early morning walk provides an opportunity for people to remember those whose lives have been lost to suicide, support those experiencing difficult times and come together through connection, compassion and hope.
The morning began in the Sanctuary Chapel with a welcome from Lifeline Macarthur & Western Sydney and a Welcome to Country to honour the Dharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land.
Lifeline’s CEO Veronica Macdonald then shared moving reflections on the importance of recognising the pain that can lead someone to die by suicide, and the need for greater compassion, understanding and connection.
Candles were lit in a community memorial before participants set out on the 3 km walk around the park’s peaceful grounds.
Among those taking part were families and friends remembering loved ones, some wearing T-shirts bearing their photographs, alongside representatives from suicide prevention and community organisations.
Some families also participated in a special tree-planting service in memory of their loved ones – creating a living symbol of remembrance, hope and enduring connection.
Following the walk, Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) provided morning tea at Riri’s Café. Over coffee and muffins by the lake, participants had an opportunity to connect, share stories and remember.
Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria and MMP were honoured to support Lifeline Macarthur & Western Sydney at this important event, and to provide a place where people could come together to remember loved ones, support one another and help bring conversations about suicide out of the shadows.
Honouring every life forever.
