Jimmy Forrest was presented with Community Champion at the Mental Health Matters Awards, for his outstanding contribution towards mental health and wellbeing.
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Mr Forrest was presented with his award on Tuesday at Parliament House by the NSW Mental Health Commissioner, John Feneley.
The award recognises unsung heroes the commissioner or commission staff have met during community visits, who have made an outstanding contribution to mental health and well-being in their communities.
Mr Forrest is an advocate for suicide prevention in his role as chair of Wambol Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Network (WASPN).
Mr Forrest was humbled by the award win.
"This is great. But it's not just for me, but the community and the committee as well," he said.
Lifeline statistics report that globally, over 800,000 people die from suicide every year.
In Australia, seven people will die from suicide every day, it is also the second leading cause of death in 15-29 year olds.
Mr Forrest and the team at WASPN organise suicide prevention packs to give to police, schools and correctional services.
The packs include information on who to talk to and what can be done to help someone going through suicidal thoughts.
Mr Forrest said suicide and suicidal thoughts are very serious issues, as most people hide their emotions.
"We want to get the word out there that there is always someone who will listen," he said.
Mr Forrest is an Aboriginal Health Worker at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre and a chairperson of the Aboriginal Community Justice Group.