A GRIEVING Swan Hill mum wants to prevent others from going through “what my family is feeling” following the death of her son Kurk Abraham-Robinson by suicide.
Ruth Abraham is pushing for more support services in Swan Hill for vulnerable members of the community after the much-loved Gundijmara man died in November, aged 23, leaving behind seven siblings and a community shattered by the tragic loss of their “golden boy”.
“I want to raise awareness of the impact of suicide,” Ms Abraham told The Guardian.
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I am feeling, or what my family is feeling.
“I want people to know there is help available but I also want to start something here in Swan Hill like a suicide prevention home so vulnerable people can have support and information and counsellors.”
Ms Abraham said she was aware of at least five young people who had also made attempts on their lives in the weeks before and after Kurk’s death, and she said more needed to be done to ensure they received all the help they needed.
She criticised the lack of immediacy for at-risk people from presentation to getting a referral and then getting ongoing assistance, and wanted to speak with members of the community with expertise who could assist with her plans.
“There has to be a way, another way, because too many beautiful souls are lost,” Ms Abraham said.
“Me and my household, we’re numb.
“I have moments of tears, and others when I’m strong.
“Kurk was so idolised and loved by many in the community.”
She said Kurk was a keen fisherman and “the best big brother anyone could ask for” to Alisha, Cameera, Zeanna, Seth, Yamelia, Trisarna and Alexiah.
Kurk began at Swan Hill College in year eight and continued to year 12, where he was a devoted Clontarf boy.
The Clontarf Foundation website describes its purpose to “improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men”, and Kurk continued to contribute to this group following his graduation.
Kurk was a proud firefighter with the local CFA, and spent his gap year after school in the army. He spent time in the USA on exchange, and showed off his stellar work ethic from his first job at McDonald’s, to more recent times at Coles and with the Swan Hill Council.
But his mother said his biggest love after his family was fishing.
She said he bought himself a boat and would enter every fishing competition he could possibly attend.
It was fitting, then, that his funeral took place by the river with around 380 mourners from all walks of life.
Swan Hill Fire Brigade First Lieutenant Harold Jochs recalled “cheeky Kurk’s” initiative – coming up with ideas to fundraise for the local crew, his smile and his frequent question – ‘what are you up to Harold?’
“He’ll never be forgotten,” Lt Jochs said.
“The key message is, even if you think your issues are insurmountable, there will be someone who is prepared to listen and be non-judgmental but they can’t help if they don’t know you’re struggling.”
Danny Fraser from the Clontarf Foundation called Kurk an “inspiring leader” and “Mr Organised”.
Mr Fraser said it was okay to not be okay, but encouraged people to talk to someone when they needed that support.
If you are able to assist in continuing Kurk’s legacy, contact The Guardian for more information.If anyone is feeling vulnerable, they are advised to talk to their GP who can assist individuals to find a range of support across the region.
If there is an emergency, call an ambulance on 000.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
headspace in Swan Hill can be called on 4010 7100 or visited at 11 Pritchard Street in town. 1800 650 890 is the national headspace hotline.
Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800, kidshelpline.com.au
SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE
Standby, 0438 648 268
FOR CARERS
Carers Australia, 1800 242 636
MEN
MensLine Australia, 1300 789 978
GENERAL 24/7
Lifeline, call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114, or chat online at lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue, call 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au/
Suicide Call Back Service, call 1300 659 467
