Content warning: The following article contains references to suicide which may be distressing to readers
A new suicide prevention campaign aimed at strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been launched, encouraging early conversations and culturally safe support.
Connection is Prevention: Just Have the Yarn urges people to recognise warning signs, speak up early and reach out to those who may be struggling.
At its centre is a short film — supported by posters and digital resources — highlighting how a simple conversation can challenge stigma, reduce isolation and save lives.
It encourages Mob to check in with family, friends and Community.
A post shared by Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (@vaccho_org)
The launch coincides with the rollout of BLKTRX, a new online service directory designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria find culturally safe mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide prevention services.
Created by and for Community, BLKTRX is Victoria's first Aboriginal online mental health service directory, bringing information about support services into a single, accessible platform. The directory recognises that support is not one-size-fits-all and is designed to help people find services for themselves, their families, Elders or others they care for.
Nicola Perry-Peters, Director at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation's (VACCHO's) Balit Durn Durn Centre, said the campaign seeks to reduce stigma and shame around speaking up, while ensuring people know where to find culturally safe support.
"This is a critical time of year for our Communities, when our social and emotional wellbeing can be heavily impacted by the additional pressures from the holiday period," Ms Perry-Peters said, "as well as the grief that can resurface when we're reminded that loved ones may no longer be here."
BLKTRX highlights services delivered through Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and allows users to search by service type, location, postcode, cohort, language name region and topic.
An interactive map also enables users to quickly locate nearby support.
Both the Connection is Prevention campaign and the BLKTRX directory were developed with guidance from the Garrka yap-u burrundyata Knowledge Holders Group, which is encouraging people to check in with Mob, support those doing it tough and connect with trusted local services.
Ms Perry-Peters said BLKTRX represents more than an online directory, describing it as a Community-led initiative that supports self-determination, strengthens choice and improves access to trusted services.
"These resources, including the new BLKTRX directory, are the start of a suite of resources to help Mob feel confident to reach out for support," she said. "A simple yarn, a check-in, or a moment of connection can make all the difference; because connection is prevention."
Additional resources, including a promotional kit, are expected to be released in early 2026.
The campaign forms part of VACCHO's broader work to strengthen Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing across the state.
The peak representative for the health and wellbeing of First Nations people in Victoria recently called for investment in two Aboriginal Healing Centres and The Nest, in the 2026 state budget, as well as a dedicated Aboriginal Family Safety and Healing Hub, to provide culturally safe spaces for recovery, connection and holistic support.
The launch of Connection is Prevention follows the release of data last year by the Yirramboi Murrup Unit at the Coroners Court of Victoria, which found the annual suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains three times higher than for non-Indigenous Victorians, with 56.6 per cent of those who died under the age of 35.
Since 2022, there has been a 42 per cent increase in Indigenous deaths by suicide, with the average age of death for men being 37 and 29.6 for women.
"More work is needed to understand why and how these passings can be prevented," said Manager of Yirramboi Murrup Unit, Jessica Gobbo, last year.
"It is vital that the community has access to accurate and up-to-date information about suicide so we can work together to develop targeted, culturally safe supports for First Nations people in Victoria."
View the BLKTRX online directory online.
Yarning Safe N Strong (24/7) | 1800 959 563
Thirrili - The National Indigenous Postvention Service - After Suicide Support (24/7) | 1800 805 801
13YARN | 13 92 76 (24/7)
Lifeline Australia (24/7) | 13 11 14
