Grapevine Group Association Inc is a locally founded grassroots volunteer group which raises funds and awareness for suicide prevention in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.

Grapevine Group relies entirely on community support and has operated since 2004.

We are a member of Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) and support other local suicide prevention organisations.

 

The Philosophy

Due to needed restrictions in the media, too many people will hear of a tragedy along the ‘gossip grapevine’ and not hear of the resources available to them. Grapevine Group intends to change that!

Grapevine promotes the resources that are available by drawing attention to the issue in a very positive light.

 

Tax Deductible Donations

Grapevine Group is a registered charity with Tax Deductible Gift Receipt Status (DGR). Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia and support local suicide prevention initiatives.

 

Geographical Boundary

Grapevine Group operates within the Mackay Hospital and Health Service geographical boundary. This area includes the following locations:

  • Mackay
  • SarIna
  • Moranabah
  • Dysart
  • Clermont
  • Bowen
  • Collinsville
  • Airlie Beach
  • Proserpine

Vital Initiatives

We are a volunteer organisation dedicated to supporting local suicide prevention training and fund locals through LivingWorks suicide prevention training.

Grapevine has trained over 5,000 people in our community through safeTALK and, with the support of Run for MI Life, have trained police officers, high school teachers, front line youth workers and key members of the local workforce and volunteer and sporting groups through 2-day LivingWorks ASIST suicide intervention training.

Local trainers present free safeTALK suicide alertness training to anyone in the Mackay region. This training is available to both individuals and groups. We urge local businesses, sports clubs and community groups to have their staff and members trained to identify someone at risk, talk to them correctly and be able to link them with resources.

In 2005, Grapevine compiled a comprehensive online list of local suicide prevention resources. 

We distribute Help-a-mate wallet cards, listing local help, at local events and to businesses, sports clubs, community organisations and the health sector. A significant achievement of the Help-a-Mate  initiative is these cards are used by the region’s GPs, ambulance, police and hospital emergency departments.


Recognitions

Grapevine’s work has been recognised at a national level by Australia’s peak suicide prevention body having won two highly respected SPA LiFE Awards. 

  • 2020 National Suicide Prevention Australia LiFE Award (Communities Matter)
  • 2019 Fred Hollows Junior Ambassador Humanity Award awarded to Tage Guzowski
  • 2019 Australia Day Award for Community Group
  • 2017 National Suicide Prevention Australia Individual LiFE Award (Community Engagement) awarded to Debbie Knight
  • 2011 PANPA Newspaper National Advertising Campaign Nominee for the 12 days of Suicide Prevention for Christmas advertising campaign
  • 2005 Art’Is’In Regional Art Awards Best Group Of Volunteers Achievement Award
  • 2005 Art’Is’In Regional Art Awards Best Media Coverage