As a paramedic, Shane Wicks has seen his fair share of horrific accidents and tragedies.
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But nothing has been tougher then seeing how much his tight knit community of Gerringong is struggling to come to terms with a succession of recent suicides.
Wanting to do his bit to help the community, Mr Wicks and a number of other concerned residents set up Gezza Cares.
"We are trying to bring everybody together in the town and the area so we can support each other the best way that we can and also try and coordinate the best support we can get for people," Mr Wicks said.
"Some of the best support out there is education, and we think there could be a communication blockage from the education getting to the people, so hopefully we can try and clear that blockage a little bit as well."
The newly formed network is trying to bring some hope, so is encouraging all residents and businesses to participate in Yellowing Up in Gerringong.
"Yellow is the colour of hope. Gezza Cares would love to see our town turning yellow from 22 August as a sign of compassion and support for all those affected by the sad events in our greater community lately, and to create a sense of hope and solidarity," he said.
"We love that the community already jumped on board and we are seeing yellow bows, ribbons and hearts all over town.
"There is yellow on our letterboxes, along gates and fences, yellow pom poms and garlands hanging from trees, yellow stickers going up in shop fronts, ribbons on cars and bikes, and our local sports clubs and schools are all taking up the yellow theme initiative in their own unique ways too."
Fellow Gezza Cares member Maggie Dent is a well known author, parenting and resilience educator who has helped many communities recover from major adverse events.
Now she is looking to play her part in helping her community of Gerringong.
"I want to emphasise the importance of giving people something to do after a series of tragedies like these, a way to understand and start to process what has happened, and manage our big feelings about it all,Ms Dent said.
"Our young people are ahead of us in that they can identify the things they need to do to help each other through this.
"By Yellowing Up Gerringong and surrounds it gives everyone a role to play and a way to begin the long process of healing."
Mr Wicks said he hoped the event would help to start a conversation.
"It is okay to ask for help. There are a lot of professionals out there who can help . I've used them before and they are very good," he said.
"If one doesn't work for you, try someone else, they are just a phone call away.
"Having a mental illness or being suicidal is not a stigma, it is a disease. Like most diseases it can be treated. Please reach out for help."
If you need support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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