Earlier this month, RAAF Base Richmond participated in Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows Walk, to remember the lives of those lost to suicide and to show those struggling that they have a network and community behind them.

The Out of the Shadows Walk is an annual initiative held on or around National Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The event involves walking or running 9km to symbolise the nine lives lost to suicide in Australia every day.

Participants walk to remember a loved one, or to show support for Australians experiencing emotional distress or mental illness.

Between 1997 and 2021, 1677 serving and former serving members of the ADF took their own lives. These tragedies are a part of an even bigger mental health and suicide crisis that takes the lives of more than 3000 Australians each year.

Because of the close nature of the bonds and relationships formed within the ADF, these deaths often have a profound effect on the community and support networks of those who are lost.

'Every phone call Lifeline takes and every engagement they have helps build hope.'

RAAF Base Richmond Out of the Shadows Walk event organiser Major Ian Carter said it was important to raise awareness about suicide prevention, especially within the serving community.

“The work Lifeline does, not just in suicide prevention but all mental health initiatives, is important to so many,” Major Carter said.

“The Out of the Shadows Walk gave participants time to reflect on the impact suicide and negative mental health can have on individuals and communities.”

On a rainy day in Western Sydney, 32 ADF and APS personnel completed the 9kms, or more, and contributed more than $3000 to the $3.8 million raised by Lifeline during the initiative. Every step walked signified theirs and the wider ADF’s commitment to suicide prevention and the work of vital organisations such as Lifeline.

After crossing the finish line on his second 9km walk of the day, Major Carter said such initiatives were not just about the money raised, but about building relationships and resilience.

“Every phone call Lifeline takes and every engagement they have helps build hope,” he said.

“Throughout the walk it was great to see everybody talking and sharing stories. Despite less-than-ideal weather, every participant finished with a sense of achievement and hope.

“The irony of finishing the second walk of the day in a heavy downpour was not lost on participants. Even in miserable conditions we carried on walking and battled through.”