Suicide awareness and prevention

September 10, 2026

By Dave McMurray

Suicide!

Suicide is a word you'll hear often at the Oberon Men's Shed Suicide Prevention, Depression and Anxiety Event coming up on 26th November 2026.

"What did I miss?" That's a question often asked in the event of a suicide. Well, most likely nothing.

You'll find out why at this event presented by the Australian Men's Sheds Association (AMSA) and Talk2MeBro.

Beth Gow, representing AMSA joined with Oberon Men's Shed yesterday to start to bring all the threads together that will make one the most informative and important talks in Oberon in the past couple of decades.

Suicide is confronting yet you'll learn plenty of tips on what to do and say to someone that maybe a friend or even a close relative. You'll learn what happens in the aftermath and the services available in such a tragic occurrence. The discussion will be heavy, but uplifting at the same time.

There will be at least four speakers; two locals and one each from AMSA and Talk2MeBro respectively discussing the prevention of suicide and what support is available should a tragic suicide occur. There will be no sugarcoating the subject of suicide because you can't.

A variety of health stands are being put together, and they will be disclosed as they are confirmed. To everyone reading this, please put aside three to four hours of the 26th of November and come along to possibly the most important discussion you'll hear in Oberon for a long time. You don't have to be a member of the Oberon community but can be from anywhere you can reasonably travel from in the Central Tablelands/Central West.

If you would like to offer support to the event, please contact the Oberon Men's Shed. It'll cost you nothing and all we ask in return that you spread the word in your communities. You can be an association, a business or even a sole trader. Inner Wheel Oberon is the latest supporter. Supporters so far are:

• Andrew Gee, Independent Member for Calare
• Hon Rose Jackson, State Minister for Mental Health
• Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC
• Paul Toole, State Member for Bathurst and Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
• Oberon Council
• Oberon Neighbourhood Centre
• Oberon Multi-Purpose Service Community Health
• Oberon Pharmacy
• Oberon Post Office
• Oberon Headquarters RFS
• NSW SES Oberon Unit
• Oberon Business and Tourism Association
• Columbia Aged Care Service - Oberon Village
• Oberon Medical Centre
• Inner Wheel Oberon
• Oberon Hospital Auxiliary

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