The vivid memorial - made up of 2866 glowsticks, one for every Australian who took their own life in 2016 - was the painstaking work of an Illawarra woman determined to shine a light on the issue after losing a loved one.

After her 24-year-old nephew, Kyle Hatcher, died by suicide last November, Cheney Drewer was struck by the isolation she and her family experienced. 

"We lost friends and family members because they didn't know what to say," she said. "People don't know how to talk about it."

Determined to break the silence, Mrs Drewer and her family spent hours driving the translucent plastic tubes into the sand to form the shape of a giant butterfly, a symbol of rebirth and hope for those left behind.

Mrs Drewer will follow up the spectacular light display with #dropalineforkyle, a fishing event at Woonona Beach in November. 

The idea for #dropalineforkyle was inspired by Kyle, a natural fisherman, and the golden opportunity the activity presented to bond and have a chat about mental health.

"We're saying get your mates, get your family and drop a line,” Mrs Drewer said. 

“Use it as a chance to reach out to loved ones and talk about mental health.

“Join us for a chat, some tall tails and a good time.

“Help us 'Break the Silence' on Mental Health and make it okay to reach out, remember the lost and say the word.”

The free fishing trip for mental health (#dropaline4kyle) will be held on Sunday, November 19, from 7am on Woonona Beach.

A free BBQ breakfast will be available, with donation buckets for the Black Dog Institute available. Come prepared with your safety gear and fishing licence.