NT World Suicide Prevention Day Forum 2025

Join us on Larrakia Country in Darwin for the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day Forum — a full-day gathering of local and national speakers, lived experience advocates, service providers, allied health professionals and community leaders dedicated to reducing the impact of suicide and supporting survivors of suicide loss in our community.

The program features inspiring keynote presentations, Q&A panel discussions, an interactive workshop and networking opportunities designed to spark connection, share knowledge, and inspire action to "Change the Narrative" and encourage more people to "Reach Out" without the shame.

We encourage the community to be part of this important conversation on suicide, so those with a lived experience, volunteers in the sector and students can attend for FREE.

We welcome everyone, but particularly encourage those working in government, businesses, sporting clubs, allied health professionals, clinicians who work in mental health, suicide prevention and postvention (support after suicide) to attend.

Host

Lidia Di Lembo – Co Founder and Chairperson of SabrinasReach4Life, Internationally Accredited Mindshift and Leadership Coach, casual Practice Manager at the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Darwin. As host of this event, Lidia will share the importance of bringing people together to share their stories of lived experience, connecting those impacted by suicide and suicide loss, to advocate for meaningful progress in suicide prevention.

MCs

Karyn Moyle – Founder & Director, Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corporation. Proud Eastern Arrernte, Warlpiri, and Djaru woman delivering culturally grounded programs in suicide prevention, trauma recovery, and mental health awareness. National award-winner for community impact.

Sam Weston – Owner of Mad Snake Cafe and 2023 NT Local Hero nominee. Former soldier and prison officer turned mental health advocate, creating safe spaces for connection and inclusion.

Speakers

Dr Louise La Sala – Research Fellow at Orygen, University of Melbourne. Lead researcher on the #chatsafe program, helping young people communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide. Advisor to national and international online safety initiatives.

Dr Leslie Koopowitz – Neuropsychiatrist and consultant with Neami National. Expert on the impact of trauma on the brain and practical approaches to healing.

Hugh Heggie AO PSM – Sworn in as the 23rd Administrator of the Northern Territory in 2023. A distinguished medical professional with over 50 years in health, he has served in clinical, leadership, and humanitarian roles across Australia and internationally.

Paul Connolly – CEO of Northern Territory PHN. A decade of leadership in the Northern Territory Health Sector.

Ron Petterson – National Program Manager, Wesley LifeForce Networks. Specialist in postvention support for families and those with lived experience of suicide loss.

Luke Gosling OAM MP – Federal Member for Solomon and Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia; co-founder of the Timor-Leste charity Life, Love and Health.

Workshop: Emotional Intelligence on Steroids

Michelle Taylor – Registered Psychologist, Health Care Leadership consultant, Corporate Trainer and coach- Leadership, wellbeing. Ex-critical care nurse (14 years experience).

What makes this forum special?

• Inspiring voices – Hear from award-winning advocates, researchers, and community leaders making change in suicide prevention.

• Community connection – Connect with peers in a supportive environment. Browse stalls from local services, meet therapy dogs.

• Lived experience at the centre – Real stories and insights from those directly affected by suicide.

• Diverse perspectives – Sessions on youth mental health, cultural healing, CALD community engagement, remote service delivery, and men’s mental health.

• Practical learning – A Resilience workshop, trauma awareness sessions, and strategies for building inclusive support networks.

• Panels - various local service providers, including representatives from TeamHEALTH, Darwin Medicare Mental Health Centre, Thirrili, and more.

Panel facilitators and members to be confirmed over the next few weeks. 

If your organisation is interested in registering a stall, email projects@sabrinasreach4life.com.au