Suicide Prevention Awareness Network - Central Victoria

Suicide Prevention Awareness Network - Central Victoria Without the commitment and dedication of these organisations, businesses and individuals the annual walk could not happen.

The Suicide Prevention Awareness Network - Central Victoria group is made up of volunteers committed to holding an annual Bendigo awareness walk each March and working to increase community education around suicide and mental health. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Network - Central Victoria group was formed to plan and host an annual walk through the streets of Bendigo each March for people impacted by suicide and the community to support them. The concept of the walk is to raise community awareness of suicide and give those who have lost a loved one, friend or work colleague a chance to honour and remember them. The SPAN Central Victoria group is made up of volunteers from organisations, businesses and individuals in Bendigo dedicated to raising awareness about suicide. Organisations involved include the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Advertiser, Bendigo Community Health Services, Lifeline Loddon Mallee, StandBy, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, Victoria Police, Dewar Audio Systems,
GriefWork, Ride 4 Life, Country Women's Association.

This year at the SPAN Walk we had our very first Youth Ute Show. 🛻🛻🛻🛻Special mention to Jett-Boort Ute Show and Patrick-...
07/04/2026

This year at the SPAN Walk we had our very first Youth Ute Show. 🛻🛻🛻🛻

Special mention to Jett-Boort Ute Show and Patrick-2025 winner of the Heart and Sole category at Boort Ute show for making the event possible. 🙏🙌👏👏

The Boort Ute show was inspiration for Patrick to come up with the idea for the very first SPAN Youth Ute Show, and what a show it was. 😎😎

We had young people from all over central Victoria travel to attend the Ute show with a special dedication to their mate Brock who won the people’s choice award at Boort Ute show 2025-who sadly passed away recently. Thank you to Brocks Mum and Brother for showing Brock’s beloved Ute. ❤️❤️❤️

Special thanks to our Mayor of Bendigo Cr Mayor Thomas Prince who addressed the participants about how important youth engagement is in our community and how they will help to shape the future.
He spoke about exposing himself to vulnerability, studying psychology and showing young people it’s ok to ask for help. It was heartwarming for Thomas see so many young people show up and support the significant event in the heart of our community.

When you give young people an opportunity to share their passion, it is amazing to see the connection and support they provide each other in their own unique way. 🙏🙏

We met some incredible young people who travelled from far and wide to support the message of hope and reaching out for support when you need to. 💙💙💙
Congratulations to Patrick and Jett for your amazing efforts in bringing everyone together to start the conversation. Its ok not to be ok. 🙌👐🫶

Congratulations Cody on receiving the “Heart and Sole’ award, your passion and commitment from the age of 6 is truly inspirational. Special recognition to your parents for being so supportive. 🚙🚙🚙

Cody’s Cracking Ute journey.
My Holden HX mixed with a HG when I got it. It was just sitting in a paddock. I was 6 years old when I got the HQ, dad paid for it then I got the Holden HX later on. By 13 years old I was working for my parents to get money and kept putting it back into the Holden.
I stripped both cars down and made one car out of it. I then fixed all the rust and got it painted. It has a 308 with a turbo 350 gearbox, extractors, hot dog mufflers and big tips.
The tray was custom built by my dad and he made it from scratch. My Dad helped me with the whole car but he made me do a lot of the work so I understood how cars work and learned about my own car.
Thank you to everyone for your support on the day.

Each year we walk together for the SPAN Walk as our community comes together to walk for healing and hope. 🦋🙏🦋Everyone w...
07/04/2026

Each year we walk together for the SPAN Walk as our community comes together to walk for healing and hope. 🦋🙏🦋
Everyone who shows up to support the event have their own significant reason to attend. We love how our community comes together as one to support each other. 🙌🫶🙌

It was wonderful to have Jed Zimmer as our guest speaker this year to share his story of courage and strength. 💙🙏

Well done to Dave and Stu from Dewars who show up each year to provide specialist sound equipment for Mez and the wonderful entertainment. 🎵🎤🎼🎶

Great work from Rachel and Emma from Standby support after su***de and Julie and Lisa from Lifeline Loddon Mallee who through connections and support bring our community together. 💙💙💙

It was amazing to see Lucas, Kaleb and the team from Bendigo Fight Centre show their appreciation to the SPAN committee, by attending on the day and providing our community with a different option to support your mental health and wellbeing through physical fitness. 🤸‍♀️🤸🤸‍♂️🏋️‍♀️

We appreciate the support from Amanda and the students from Catherine McAuley College Bendigo who show their support each year to assist with the walk. 👫👭🧍‍♂️🧍🧍‍♀️

Congratulations to Dean McKay-Chair of SPAN for your significant contribution to the committee and our community.
***de

Get behind this event.A simple concept to walk and talk each fortnight has grown to this 24 hour event to raise awarenes...
07/04/2026

Get behind this event.
A simple concept to walk and talk each fortnight has grown to this 24 hour event to raise awareness of su***de prevention and encourage us all to check up on your people.

Thanks for your support on the day.
07/04/2026

Thanks for your support on the day.

Respectful listening.Thank you to everyone who assisted with the 2026 SPAN Walk set up and pack up.Volunteers are import...
19/03/2026

Respectful listening.

Thank you to everyone who assisted with the 2026 SPAN Walk set up and pack up.

Volunteers are important to run events like ours.

Thank you to Mayor Prince and to Jed Zimmer for your speeches.
These photos show the interest and respect of these listeners.
Both speeches were inspiring and important to remind all of us that we are not alone.
That someone is willing to listen.

Darryle leads the 2026 walk.
16/03/2026

Darryle leads the 2026 walk.

Lifeline, CWA and some great blokes who always come along and support SPAN.
15/03/2026

Lifeline, CWA and some great blokes who always come along and support SPAN.

Bendigo Fight Centre, who SPAN has sponsored this year, attended the walk today and showed a demonstration of exercise ...
15/03/2026

Bendigo Fight Centre, who SPAN has sponsored this year, attended the walk today and showed a demonstration of exercise and training.
Thanks guys for your support.

SPAN President Dean, guest speaker Jed Zimmer and Bendigo Mayor Thomas Prince.
15/03/2026

SPAN President Dean, guest speaker Jed Zimmer and Bendigo Mayor Thomas Prince.

So many people helping today to set up for the SPAN walk.
15/03/2026

So many people helping today to set up for the SPAN walk.

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