ROWANS WALK BRINGS HUNDREDS TOGETHER IN MARAPIKURINYA FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

BY TANGIORA HINAKI

Around 200 people walked from the South Hedland cemetery to the Town Square today, taking part in the 8th annual Rowans Walk — a community-led event focused on suicide prevention and mental health support.

The event was started by local man Rowan Dann, who has lost family to suicide. He spoke openly about his own experience with depression and recovery.

“I spent two years in a dark place… but what got me through was the support of family, friends, and the memories of home,” Rowan told the crowd.
“If you’re ever in that dark place, don’t be afraid to reach out. There’s so much love and support around you.”

The walk ended at the Town Square, where community members shared personal stories and connected with support services. Among the speakers was respected Elder Tabarena Waddaman, who has spent over two decades trying to get help for her daughter.

“She was only 19 when it started. She’s over 40 now, and I’m still dealing with it,” Tabarena said.
“When I call mental health services, they tell me it’s up to her to speak. But how can someone in that state speak for themselves?”

Tabarena described walking the streets of Port Hedland to search for her daughter when she went missing, often with help from family or police. She thanked those who have helped along the way but said more needs to be done.

“Sometimes I can’t sleep at night, thinking about her. If I lose her, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

The event brought attention to the growing crisis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where suicide rates remain high. According to Suicide Prevention Australia, the suicide rate for First Nations people reached 30.8 per 100,000 in 2023 — almost three times higher than for non-Indigenous Australians.

Rowans Walk aimed not only to honour lives lost but to create space for truth-telling, connection, and local action. Community organisations were on hand with information, support services, and a shared commitment to doing more.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact:

13YARN (13 92 76) – a 24/7 national helpline run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Lifeline (13 11 14)
Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)

Suicide prevention doesn’t begin or end with one walk, but today’s event made one thing clear: people are ready to talk — and ready to listen.