Dubbo's Macquarie and Talbragar streets will be adorned with yellow ribbons for a day as part of a new campaign to help community members save loved ones, friends and workmates from suicide.
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Dubbo Cares Day on October 28 is the focus of the campaign instigated by Tradies in Sight, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Lifeline Central West.
The day will include a free barbecue breakfast and lunch in downtown Dubbo with mental health service providers on hand, and a competition for businesses and householders.
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The campaign seeks to encourage community members to have "real conversations" every day, and obtain help when needed.
In September, Tradies in Sight founder and counsellor Bruno Efoti, advised Dubbo residents of an "alarming increase" in suicide in the city during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the lead-up to Dubbo Cares Day, Mr Efoti he has declared "no family is immune" to suicide which he says is"totally preventable".
"Yellow is the sign of hope," he told the Daily Liberal on Tuesday.
"We're trying to get those conversations going, so suicide isn't an option."
The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section is in charge of the barbecue at the Church Street rotunda from 8am to 2pm on October 28.
Businesses and households are being asked to decorate their properties and vehicles "in yellow" as part of a competition offering prizes.
The competition categories are best business decoration, best home decoration and best car decoration.
Photos of entries should be sent to info@dubbocares.support.
They should identify category, name of entrant and a key contact.
The competition will close at 4pm on October 28 after which all entries will be posted in albums on the Dubbo Cares Facebook page for people's choice voting.
Winners will be announced on November 4.
The three organisations behind the campaign want to "turn Dubbo yellow" on October 28.
They are suggesting it would be the right time to wear yellow to work. Food outlets are being asked to sell a "yellow special of the day".
The organisers are urging the community to visit @DubboCares on Facebook and @dubbo_cares on Instagram and "tag us in any posts about the day or decorating".
Campaign hashtags are #DubboCares, #LetsTalkDubbo and #EveryDayConnectingHope.
Mr Efoti is confident that Dubbo Cares Day will get bigger and better. "We're looking to hold it every year," he said.
"Everybody has been affected in some way by metal health issues or suicide. We've got to get together to get around this."
