Residents in Kiama and nearby suburbs Kiama Downs and Gerringong have been doing it tough in recent weeks.
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Four young people took their own lives in the month of July.
This has rocked residents in the tight knit communities. A grass-roots campaign is now underway to raise awareness and funds for youth suicide prevention.
It is being led by Rachael Peedom, Belinda Krull and Dave Griffin.
Backed by many in the community, including one of Australia's most-loved parenting authors Maggie Dent, the trio have launched an initiative to raise funds for established suicide prevention organisations for school age youth.
This initiative kicked off on Wednesday by selling Makuta (face) Masks at Kiama Farmers Markets.
Kiama dog groomer Belinda Krull only came up with idea of making and selling masks, to raise funds for youth suicide prevention, last Friday.
In the last few days the community has come together to make these masks.
Ms Peedom said the ladies at Reduce Reuse Recycle Kiama had bent over backwards to "make this happen".
"We can't thank everyone enough for getting behind what was just a concept on Friday. It was through their help we were able to get this up and running so quickly," she said.
"The cause is obviously very important to many in the community. It has been very tough......suicide it seems has effected too many in our community."
The latest tragedies have also prompted Kiama councillor Matt Brown to prepare a motion ahead of the next council meeting.
In the motion Cr Brown acknowledges "the tragic loss of young lives through suicide is a problem for our community and one which we need to face and work towards a solution in order to prevent further tragedies."
He also calls on the community to suggest the terms of reference, format and composition, for a Suicide Prevention - Stronger Community Committee.....to be supported and resourced by Kiama Council.
"It is clear and imperative at this time that a Suicide-Prevention committee be put into place and sprung into action to provoke change," Cr Brown said.
Ms Peedom said Kiama Council were doing some great work with local programs that go into schools, and collaborating with the likes of headspace and other suicide prevention groups.
"There is plenty of amazing work already going on but I think the challenge is how do we collaborate and coordinate all of this and bring it all together to put some really solid programs throughout the year," she said.
Visit the Makuta Masks Facebook page to support the cause of for more details.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
