2500 pairs of shoes were on display, each representing a man lost to suicide each year in Australia.

Seeing the sheer number of shoes spread across the Domain was startling and overwhelming. It was a reminder not only of the lives we’ve lost, but also the grief experienced by families, friends and communities touched by suicide.

In Australia, men are around three times more likely to die by suicide than women. As men, we need to be comfortable reaching out for help and talking about our pain before we reach a crisis point. In its 2026 State of the Nation Report, Suicide Prevention Australia raised we need more targeted services that better engage men.

Thank you to Roy Butler MP for hosting this event in collaboration with Paul Withall, Founder and President of Zero Suicide Community Awareness Program.

If you need support:

Lifeline (24/7) – 13 11 14

Beyond Blue (24/7) – 1300 22 436

Suicide Call Back Service (24/7) – 13 92 76

MensLine Australia (24/7) – 1300 78 88 78

13YARN (24/7) – 13 92 76

Kids Helpline Official (24/7, ages 5-12) – 1800 55 1800

NSW Health’s Mental Health Line (24/7) – 1800 011 511

Standby Support After Suicide (6am-10pm daily) – 1300 727 247

For more support services, click HERE

If you’re struggling to talk to someone you know about suicide, I recommend looking at the Conversations Matters guides by Life in Mind

Your words don’t need to be perfect and you can make a real difference by reaching out, listening and showing you care.