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Drive for suicide prevention

Sarah WatersComment News

Since Rhys passed away on July 25, 2013, Mr Miller has spoken out about the need for greater mental health support services � especially for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers.

Rhys was a concreter and carpenter and took his life at a mine site camp in the Pilbara after a short depressive episode.

He was working on a Rio Tinto project for construction contractor OTOC.

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The Millers had serious concerns about how Rhy's death was handled and they also wanted to draw attention to mental health problems within the FIFO workforce.

Their persistence to find answers and shed light on a subject which is not often talked about generated national media attention and resulted in Mr Miller securing a meeting with the chief executive of a leading mining company to outline his concerns.

Locally, the community have got behind Mr and Mrs Miller to show their support and also raise awareness about the alarming suicide rates in WA.

Last year, Marri Park Golf Course golf professional Tony Bodmer decided to hold a memorial day for Rhys and at the same time raise money for youth mental health.

Mr Miller said he and Rhys used to enjoy going down to the Marri Park Tavern to have a beer.

Rhys was a regular who would often engage in friendly banter with people around him and was well liked by staff members.

"Staff felt shocked that a happy, good-looking, vibrant and courteous young man could so suddenly have an onset depressive episode and then suicide," Mr Miller said.

"It could happen to anyone and they (Marri Park Golf Course & Tavern staff) wanted to help."

Last year, the inaugural Memorial Day for Rhys raised more than $3000.

It will be held once again on Saturday, June 6, and all proceeds will go to Zero2Hero, a WA-based not-for-profit organisation that educates young people to become mental health ambassadors and helps them to discuss problems openly.

The second annual Memorial Day has generated a huge amount of interest and support from the community and is now fully booked.

It will include ambrose golf, a meal and a tribute show by Annie Lenox and Freddie Mercury impersonators.

People are still able to donate and attend the tribute show.

Mr Miller said he hoped the event woukd emphasise that people needed to be aware of mental health problems and learn to look for the signs of depression in others and offer help.

If you are experiencing depression or are suicidal, or know someone who is, help is available.

Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.