Walters tackles suicide for One Life

Highly skilled Fremantle Dockers forward Michael Walters will be kicking goals for suicide prevention with his appointment as One Life's first ever suicide prevention ambassador.

  • Dockers forward announced as One Life's first suicide prevention ambassador

  • Young Noongar a role model for players and fans

Highly skilled Fremantle Dockers forward Michael Walters will be kicking goals for suicide prevention with his appointment as One Life's first ever suicide prevention ambassador.

The appointment was part of the $200,000 partnership agreement between One Life and the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) to train players and officials in suicide prevention.

Announcing the appointment, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said Michael, a 24 year-old Noongar man nicknamed Son-son, was a fantastic role model for players and fans.

"Having him as a suicide prevention ambassador will help reduce stigma around mental health and suicide among Aboriginal people, who have a higher rate of suicide than the Western Australian average," Mrs Morton said.

"Michael is already regarded as a mentor and role model by young Aboriginal men and he will be using his influence in a positive way to spread the message that it is okay to talk and ask for help.

"The Western Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy - or One Life - has been working together with the WAFC for a number of years and has provided more than $450,000 in funds to the organisation since 2012 to raise awareness and build resilience among players and fans.

"In August 2014, I announced a new partnership with the WAFC that would see coaches, players, volunteers and executive exposed to suicide prevention messaging and training.

"This arrangement with Michael is part of that partnership agreement and will see him raise the profile of One Life among players and the public."

       Fact File

  • One Life is the WA initiative to strengthen families, communities and workplaces, and build resilience to prevent suicide

  • For more information, visit http://www.onelifewa.com.au  

  • The State Government announced $155,680 for Aboriginal suicide prevention programs and training on January 8, 2015

  • Under the Western Australian State Suicide Prevention Strategy, the State Government has invested $21 million into suicide prevention initiatives since 2009

  • A new multi-year suicide prevention strategy is under development that recognises Aboriginal people as a priority

Minister's office - 6552 6900