BOATY to Bello (Bellingen) is a road trip raising awareness to prevent suicide in our community.

Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network (PSSPN) members are going on the road on the weekend of 26-27 August.

Bikes, cars and even a bus will participate to raise awareness about the huge cost of suicide to families and to communities.

There will be a barbecue to kick things off at Iluka Reserve at Boat Harbour at 8am on 26 August after which the procession of vehicles will start on their way up the coast to Bellingen.

Once the crew reach their destination, the PSSPN will present the local youth hub a special sign.

The road trip will promote the annual PSSPN Walk With Us event which is held at Iluka Reserve at Boat Harbour, delivered in partnership with Lifeline (Hunter), Rotary Club Salamander and the Boat Harbour Council Parks 355c Committee.

It is a day of reflection and connection.

It’s a day when our community remembers those that we have lost.

The walking trail around the headland  leads to the ‘cairn’, a large free form rock sculpture on the second most eastern point of the Australian coastline.

The trail then goes south to the new whale watching platform, then back to Solace Place, the heart of Iluka Reserve.

Walk With Us finishes with food, music, stories and a sense of community.

James Campbell, who is part of the group organising the Boaty to Bello road trip told News Of The Area, “The road trip will help build awareness of suicide prevention initiatives and the work of groups like the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network.”

 

By: Marian SAMPSON